Enhancing polyethylene‐based nanocomposites through ethylene plasma polymerization of carbon nanotubes and sequential ultrasound dispersion with melt mixing method

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigates the enhancement of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) nanocomposites with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) at concentrations of 1, 3, and 6% w/w. To improve the interfacial interaction between the CNT and the polymeric matrix, CNT were treated using ethylene cold plasma (P‐CNT) in a rotary reactor. The incorporation of CNT into the polymer was carried out by a melt mixing process (MMP) and a sequential ultrasound dispersion method followed by melt mixing (UDM‐MMP). The thermal stability of nanocomposites with 6% P‐CNT increased by 45°C compared to pristine LLDPE. Electrical conductivity reached 2.5 × 10−2 S/cm for nanocomposites with 6% CNT. The elastic modulus increased from 519.52 MPa (LLDPE) to 714.63 MPa (6% CNT) and 795.43 MPa (6% P‐CNT), which further improving to 731.42 MPa (6% CNT) and 841.27 MPa (6% P‐CNT) using UDM‐MMP. Additionally, yield stress rose from 16.35 MPa to 21.28 MPa (6% CNT) and 22.06 MPa (6% P‐CNT), reaching 21.47 MPa and 22.28 MPa with UDM‐MMP. Tensile strength increased from 21.31 MPa to 25.15 MPa (6% CNT) and 25.9 MPa (6% P‐CNT), achieving 26.82 MPa (6% P‐CNT) with UDM‐MMP. These results highlight a significant improvement in conductivity, rigidity, and mechanical strength, emphasizing their potential for advanced applications.