A comparison of reinforcement efficiency of various types of carbon nanotubes in polyacrylonitrile fiber

摘要: Abstract Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite fibers were spun from solutions in dimethyl acetamide (DMAc), using single wall (SWNTs), double (DWNTs), multi (MWNTs) carbon nanotubes, and vapor grown nanofibers (VGCNFs). In each case, CNT content was 5 wt% with respect to the polymer. Structure, morphology, properties of have been characterized X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, tensile tests, dynamic mechanical as well thermal shrinkage. While all contributed property improvements, maximum increase modulus (75%) reduction shrinkage (up 50%) observed SWNT containing composites, improvement strength (70%), strain failure (110%), work rupture (230%) MWNTs composites. PAN orientation is higher fiber (orientation factor up 0.62) than control 0.52), crystallite size 35% larger (3.7 nm), while overall crystallinity diminished slightly. Nanotube significantly (0.98 for SWNTs, 0.88 DWNTs, 0.91 VGCNFs) (0.52–0.62). Improvement low (modulus shrinkage) attributed interaction nanotube, high (tensile strength, elongation break, rupture) at least part nanotube length. Property improvements analyzed terms surface area orientation.