Sains Malaysiana 40(7)(2011): 725–728

Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Natural Rubber (TPNR) Reinforced with Different Types of Carbon Nanotube

(Sifat Mekanik Termoplastk Getah Asli Diperkuat dengan Pelbagai Jenis Nanotiub Karbon)

Mou’ad A.Tarawneh*, Sahrim Hj. Ahmad, Rozaidi Rasid, S.Y.Yahya, Shamsul Bahri A.R,

Seyong Ehnoum, Ku Zarina Ka & Lee Yip Seng

School of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor D.E. Malaysia

Received: 23 October 2009 / Accepted: 5 August 2010

ABSTRACT

The effect of various multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on the tensile properties of thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) nanocomposite was investigated. The nanocomposite was prepared using melt blending method. MWNTs were added to improve the mechanical properties of MWNTs/TPNR composites in different compositions of 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt.%. The results showed that the mechanical properties of nanocomposites were affected significantly by the composition and the properties of MWNTs. SEM micrographs confirmed the homogenous dispersion of MWNTs in the TPNR matrix and promoted strong interfacial adhesion between MWNTs and the matrix which was improved mechanical properties significantly.

Keywords: Mechanical properties; multi-walled carbon nanotubes; thermoplastic natural rubber

ABSTRAK

Kesan beberapa jenis nanotiub karbon berbilang-lapisan (MWNTs) ke atas sifat tegangan getah asli termoplastik (TPNR) telah dikaji. Nanokomposit tersebut telah disediakan melalui kaedah pencampuran leburan. MWNTs ditambahkan untuk meningkatkan sifat mekanik komposit MWNTs/TPNR, pada komposisi pengisi berbeza iaitu: 1, 3, 5 dan 7% berat. Hasil kajian mendapati sifat mekanik nanokomposit sangat dipengaruhi oleh komposisi pengisi dan sifat pengisi MWNTs. Sementara itu, mikrograf SEM mengesahkan penyerakan MWNTs yang homogen dalam matrik TPNR. Dengan demikian pelekatan antara muka yang bagus antara pengisi MWNTs dan matrik TPNR ini menjadi asas kepada peningkatan sifat mekanik yang ketara.

Kata kunci: Getah asli termoplastik; nanotiub karbon berbilang-lapisan; sifat mekanik

REFERENCES

Bin, Z., Ruowen, F., Mingqiu, Z., Xianming, D., Lichang, W., Charles, U. & Pittman J. 2006. Studies of the vapor-induced sensitivity of hybrid composites fabricated by filling polystyrene with carbon black and carbon nanofibers. Composites: Part A 37: 1884-1889.

Cai, H., Yan, F.Y. & Xue, Q.J. 2004. Investigation of tribological properties of polyimide/carbon nanotube nanocomposites. Materials Science Engineering A 364: 94-100.

Curran, S., Ajayan, P., Blau, W., Carrol, D., Coleman, J. & Dalton, A. 1998. A Composite from Poly(m-phenylenevinylene-co-2,5-dioctoxy-p-phenylenevinylene) and Carbon Nanotubes: A Novel Material for Molecular Optoelectronics. Advanced Materials 10: 1091-1093.

Kuan, H.C, Ma, C.M., Chang, W.P., Yuen, S.M., Wu, H.H. & Lee, T.M. 2005. Synthesis, thermal, mechanical and rheological properties of multiwall carbon nanotube/waterborne polyurethane nanocomposite. Composites Science Technology 65: 1703-1710.

Liao, Y.H., Olivier, M.T., Liang, Z.Y., Zhang, C. & Wang, B. 2004. Investigation of the dispersion process of SWNTs/SC-15 epoxy resin nanocomposites. Materials. Science Engineering A 385: 175-181.

Lin, Y., Zhou, B., Fernando, K.A.S., Liu, L.F. Allard & Sun, Y.P. 2003. Polymeric carbon nanocomposites from carbon nanotubes functionalized with matrix polymer. Macromolecules 36: 7199-7205.

Lopez, Manchado. M.A., Valentine, L., Biagiotti, J. & Kenny, J.M. 2005. Thermal and mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes-polypropylene composites prepared by melt processing. Carbon 43: 1499-1503.

Potschke, P, Bhattacharyya, A.R. & Janke, A. 2003. Morphology and electrical resistivity of melt mixed blends of polyethylene and carbon nanotube filled polycarbonate. Polymer 44: 8061-8069.

Potschke, P., Fornes, T.D. & Paul, D.R. 2002. Rheological behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polycarbonate. Composites Polymer 43: 3247-3255.

Sang, H.J., Young-Bin P. & Kwan, H.Y. 2007. Rheological and mechanical properties of surface modified multi-walled carbon nanotube-filled PET composite. Composites Science and Technology 67: 3434-3441,

Schartel, B., Potschke, P., Knoll, U. & Abdel-Goad, M. 2005. Fire behaviour of polyamide 6/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposites. European Polymer Journal 41: 1061-1070.

Seo, M.K., Lee, J.R. & Park, S.J. 2005. Crystallization kinetics and interfacial behaviors of polypropylene composites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Materials Science Engineering A 404: 79-84.

Treacy, T.W., Ebbesen, Gibson, J.M. 1996. Exceptionally high Young’s modulus observed for individual carbon nanotubes. Nature 381: 678-680.

*Corresponding author; email: moaath20042002@yahoo.com