Effect of graphite nanoplate morphology on the dispersion and physical properties of polycarbonate based composites

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Michael Thomas Müller - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Konrad Hilarius - , Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (Author)
  • Marco Liebscher - , Chair of Construction Materials (Author)
  • Dirk Lellinger - , Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (Author)
  • Ingo Alig - , Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (Author)
  • Petra Pötschke - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)

Abstract

The influence of the morphology of industrial graphite nanoplate (GNP) materials on their dispersion in polycarbonate (PC) is studied. Three GNP morphology types were identified, namely lamellar, fragmented or compact structure. The dispersion evolution of all GNP types in PC is similar with varying melt temperature, screw speed, or mixing time during melt mixing. Increased shear stress reduces the size of GNP primary structures, whereby the GNP aspect ratio decreases. A significant GNP exfoliation to individual or few graphene layers could not be achieved under the selected melt mixing conditions. The resulting GNP macrodispersion depends on the individual GNP morphology, particle sizes and bulk density and is clearly reflected in the composite's electrical, thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. Based on a comparison with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon black (CB), CNT are recommended in regard to electrical conductivity, whereas, for thermal conductive or gas barrier application, GNP is preferred.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number545
JournalMaterials
Volume10
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - 18 May 2017
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Research priority areas of TU Dresden

Subject groups, research areas, subject areas according to Destatis

Keywords

  • Dispersion, Electrical, Graphite nanoplates, Melt compounding, Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs), Thermal and mechanical properties