Characterization of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Natural Rubber Nanocomposite by Wet Mixing Method

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/natural rubber (MWCNTs/NR) nanocomposites is formed by incorporating nanotubes in a polymer solution and subsequently evaporating the solvent. Using this technique, nanotubes will be dispersed homogeneously in the NR matrix in an attempt to increase the mechanical properties of these nanocomposites. Mechanical test results show an increase in the tensile strength for up to 19 times in relation to pure NR. In addition to mechanical testing, the morphology of the MWNTs into NR was studied by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) in order to understand the morphology of the resulting system. Slight shift noted from FTIR and Raman analyses from each different wt. % of MWCNTs with the NR due to the stress transfer that indicates reinforcement of the nanotubes.