Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

Abstract

In this study relatively large amount of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) (130 g) was melt-mixed with multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and the effect of mixing time and rotor speed on electrical properties were investigated. Also, to investigate the relationship between the degree of dispersion of MWCNT and conductivity, the dispersion of MWCNT was examined using SEM and TEM. At shorter mixing time (15 min), increased rotor speed produces improved conductivity, whereas at longer mixing time (25 min and 35 min) increased rotor speed leads to enhanced breakage of the MWCNT and decrease of conductivity even though the dispersion of MWCNT is improved. Therefore to obtain the best conductivity, optimal shear rate and mixing time should be chosen.