The effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the tensile and impact properties of TPNR nanocomposite

Abstract

This paper discusses the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the tensile and impact properties of thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was prepared using melt blending method. MWCNT were added to improve the mechanical properties of MWCNTsITPNR composites at different compositions which is I, 3, 5, and 7 wt. %. Thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) nanocomposite were compounded in the ratio of (70:20:10) from polypropylene (PP), natural rubber (NR) and liquid natural rubber (LNR) as a compatibilizer, respectively. The composite samples were prepared using the indirect technique method (IDT) at I8rtC with 80 rpm mixing speed and II minutes processing time. The result of tensile test showed that tensile strength and elongation at break increase in the presence of nanotubes and maximum value are obtained with 3 wt. % of lvJWNTs. On other hand, higher MWNTs concentration has caused the formation of aggregates. The Young's modulus considerably increased with increasing the percentage of MWCNT. The maximum impact strength is recorded with 5 wt. % of MWNTs. SEM micrograph has confirmed the homogenous dispersion of MWNTs in the TPNR matrix and promoted strong interfacial adhesion between MWNTs and the matrix which is improved mechanical significantly. Keywords: Thermoplastic natural rubber, Carbon nanotubes, mechanical properties, Tensile properties, nanocomposites.