Processing and characterization of carbon nanofiber/syndiotactic polystyrene composites in the absence and presence of liquid crystalline polymer

Syndiotactic polystyrene (s-PS)/carbon nanofiber (CNF) composites were developed through melt process in a brabender mixer and then compression moulded. Thermal properties were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while morphologies of the composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The degree of polymer and nanofiber alignment was assessed using X-ray diffraction. The resistivity reduced with increase in loading of carbon nanofibers. Surface modification of the carbon nanofiber resulted in improved properties compared to as-received carbon nanofiber composites.Blending of liquid crystalline polymer (LCP A950) with s-PS/CNFs developed composites results in improved electrical and thermal properties. This improvement is ascribed to the self reinforcing tendency of LCPs due to their rigid rod-like molecular structure, which helps to concentrate and align the carbon nanofibers.