Fabrications of CNT Based Nanocomposite Fibers From the Recycled Plastics

Abstract

Electrospinning is a viable technique that spins fibers at different diameters starting from 3 nm to several micron meters. This technique allows the fabrication of random and aligned fibers of diverse structures, such as ribbon or cylindrical shapes. In this work, the spinning solution is prepared by dissolving recycled polystyrene and the mixture of polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride along with carbon nanotubes in dimethyl acetamide (DMAc). The dispersions were then electrospun at various DC voltage, pump speed, concentration and distance. The general morphology of the fibers has been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results confirmed that fiber diameter and surface roughness were increased by increasing the CNTs, which may be because of the viscosity increase of the spinning solution. Addition of carbon nanotubes in the polymer solution also improves the thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as toughness, stiffness and other properties.