Combined effect of expanded graphite and multiwall carbon nanotubes on the thermo mechanical, morphological as well as electrical conductivity of in situ bulk polymerized polystyrene composites

Synergetic effect of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and expanded graphite (EG) on the properties of polystyrene matrix has been studied extensively. PS/EG, PS/MWCNT, PS/EG/MWCNT nanocomposites were prepared by bulk polymerization method. Thermo mechanical and electrical conductivity were increased with individual or combined addition of MWCNT and EG to the polystyrene. Raman and FTIR study confirmed acid modification of MWCNT. DMTA and DSC analysis revealed PEM (composite of polystyrene with 1 wt% expanded graphite and modified MWCNT) composite has the highest storage modulus and glass transition temperature. TGA analysis showed that the incorporation of dual filler enhanced the thermal stability of nanocomposites to a large extent. Dispersion of both the nanofillers was found to be better in presence of each other.