Influence of Graphene Oxide and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on Electrical, Tribological, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Poly (methyl methacrylate) Nanocomposites

Abstract

A series of nanocomposites were synthesised by combining polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with low-loading percentages of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO), while keeping the total weight fraction of MWCNTs/GO constant at 0.01wt%. The coexistence of MWCNTs and GO resulted in the formation of a bridging network within the PMMA matrix, greatly reinforcing the properties of the nanocomposites. These nanocomposites were then analysed for surface and volume resistivity, friction coefficient and mechanical properties. The results showed a significant decrease in friction coefficient, surface and volume resistivity. Furthermore, nanocomposites with higher MWCNTs and lower GO contents exhibited improved friction coefficients compared to pure PMMA, even within the first 900 s. Moreover, the thermal stability, tensile strength and Young's modulus increased, while the elongation at break decreased, as the MWCNTs content increased from 0.001wt% to 0.009 wt% and GO content decreased from 0.009 to 0.001.