Thermoplastic Polyvinyl Alcohol/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites: Preparation, Mechanical Properties, Thermal Properties, and Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness

Abstract

This study uses the solution mixing method to combine plasticized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a matrix, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as reinforcement to form PVA/MWCNTs films. The films are then laminated and hot pressed to create PVA/MWCNTs composites. The control group of PVA/MWCNTs composites is made by incorporating the melt compounding method. Diverse properties of PVA/MWCNTs composites are then evaluated. For the experimental group, the incorporation of MWCNTs improves the glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallization temperature, Tc), and thermal stability of the composites. In addition, the test results indicate that composites containing 1.5 wt % of MWCNTs have the maximum tensile strength of 51.1 MPa, whereas composites containing 2 wt % MWCNTs have the optimal electrical conductivity of 2.4 S/cm, and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of −31.41 dB. This study proves that the solution mixing method outperforms the melt compounding method in terms of mechanical properties, dispersion, melting and crystallization behaviors, thermal stability, and EMI SE.