Tough semiconductor polycarbonate/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites by rubber modification

Tough polycarbonate (PC)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites (NCs) modified by a maleated styrene/ethylene–butylene/styrene (mSEBS) rubber were obtained in the melt state using a highly dispersed PC/MWCNT master-batch. An electrical percolation threshold (pc) occurred at only 0.5% MWCNT showing a power law critical exponent of 2.60, which is characteristic of a three-dimensional percolated structure. The presence of MWCNT decreased the rubber particle size due to an increase in matrix viscosity. In addition to high electrical conductivity, the elastic modulus of the NCs was similar to that of the PC, as a result of the combined presence of 0.5% MWCNT and 4% mSEBS; the mSEBS was also able to provide (i) considerable impact strength, (ii) clear ductile behavior and (iii) increased resistance against crack propagation.