Effect of processing parameters on the surface resistivity of ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Abstract

Abstract In this study, ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer was melt‐mixed with multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). To realize full‐scale application of MWCNT to the polymer industries, the effect of melt‐processing parameters on the surface resistivity in the polymer/MWCNT nanocomposites should be well‐understood. The effect of mixing time, rotor speed, compression molding time, and temperature on the surface resistivity was investigated. Increasing the rotor speed and longer mixing time lead to an improvement of dispersion of MWCNT in polymer matrix, resulting in a decrease of surface resistivity. The surface resistivity of EVA/MWCNT nanocomposites is also sensitive to the press temperature and time. However, the dominant processing parameters to affect surface resistivity depend on the amount of MWCNT. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012