Effect of SiC coated MWCNTs on the thermal and mechanical properties of PEI/LCP blend

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were modified by polycarbosilane derived β-SiC particle to improve its dispersion in the polymer matrix. Formation of β-SiC particle onto MWCNTs was conformed by XRD study. Polyetherimide (PEI)/liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) blends with unmodified and modified MWCNTs were prepared by melt blending and the dispersion of the nanofillers in the polymer blend was studied by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, which showed improved dispersion of modified MWCNTs compared to pure MWCNTs. Viscosity of ternary blend with modified MWCNTs was found to be lower than the ternary blend with pure MWCNTs. Incorporation of modified MWCNTs improved the fibrillation of LCP in ternary blend as compared to pure MWCNTs. Thermal analysis revealed the higher thermal stability of the modified MWCNTs added nanocomposites compared to unmodified MWCNTs. Mechanical properties of nanocomposites with SiC coated MWCNTs were found to be higher than that of pure MWCNTs added nanocomposites.