Hybrid conductive nanocomposites of PLA/EVA blends with incorporation of carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets
摘要
The relentless pursuit of new materials for specific applications has gained attention from researchers and industries in recent years. Materials for applications in electronic devices have been explored, as well as for antistatic packaging, which has become a concern for the scientific community in recent years. Within this context, polymeric nanocomposites stand out, particularly those that use biodegradable matrix and carbon-based nanofillers, thus presenting advantages such as low density and flexibility. Thus, this research aims to produce conductive polymeric nanocomposites of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) blends using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets in a hybrid form. The materials were prepared by melt mixing, initially being prepared concentrates using an internal mixer, and then mixed in a co-rotational twin-screw extruder. After that, the materials were injection molded, obtaining tensile, impact, and HDT test specimens and films obtained through a hydraulic press. Thus, the effect of hybridizing carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets was evaluated. The materials obtained were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical properties (tensile, impact, and hardness), heat deflection temperature (HDT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), resistivity/electrical conductivity and EMI shielding. The nanocomposites exhibited improved electrical conductivity compared to PLA and the PLA/EVA blend, ranging approximately from 1.52 to 5.54 × 10− 05 S/cm, and an electromagnetic shielding of 7.2–10 dB in a frequency range of 8.2–18 GHz.