Antibacterial and static dissipating composites of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) composites containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared using a melt-blending process. Acrylic acid-grafted PBAT (PBAT-g-AA) and multihydroxyl-functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNT-OH) were used to improve the compatibility and dispersibility of MWCNTs within the PBAT matrix. The composites were characterized morphologically using transmission electron microscopy and chemically using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. The antibacterial and anti-static properties of the composites were also evaluated. The functionalized PBAT-g-AA/MWCNT-OH composite showed markedly enhanced antibacterial and anti-static properties due to the formation of ester bonds from the condensation of the carboxylic acid groups of PBAT-g-AA with the hydroxyl groups of MWCNT-OH. The optimal proportion of MWCNT-OH in the composites was 3 wt.%. In excess of this amount, compatibility between the organic and inorganic phases was compromised.