Poly(propylene)/carbon nanofiber nanocomposites: Ex situ solvent-assisted preparation and analysis of electrical and electronic properties

CNF-reinforced PP nanocomposites were fabricated from CNFs dispersed in a boiling PP/xylene solution. Their thermal properties were characterized by TGA and DSC and shown to exhibit improved thermal stability and higher crystallinity. They were further processed into thin films by compression molding. The electrical conductivity and dielectric property of the PP/CNF nanocomposite thin films were studied. Both electric conductivity and real permittivity increased with increasing fiber loading. Electrical conductivity percolation is observed between 3.0 and 5.0 wt.-% fiber loading. The rheological behavior of the nanocomposite melts were also investigated. It was found that a small fiber concentration affects the modulus and viscosity of PP melt significantly. Poly(propylene)/CNF nanocomposites prepared via an ex situ method exhibit improved thermal stability, electric conductivity, real permittivity, and higher crystallinity. A small concentration of carbon nanofiber could also significantly affect the modulus and viscosity of poly(propylene) melts.