In-situ pyrolysis: A novel technique for the dispersion of carbon particles in thermoplastics
Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites
Published online on November 10, 2016
Abstract
An adequate dispersion of fine particles is essential for improved properties in particle-reinforced composites. State-of-the-art methods mainly rely on mechanical (shearing) dispersion methods that do not yield the requested homogeneity within the final composite. This leads to a deterioration and inhomogeneity of mechanical properties. Other non-conventional methods such as in-situ polymerisation or solution compounding are not yet applicable on an industrial scale. This study tackles these problems and provides a novel method for the fabrication of well-dispersed particle-reinforced polymer composites while making use of conventional machinery on the one hand and allowing industrial applicability on the other hand. The presented technique makes use of the pyrolysis of a low thermally stable polymer within a conventional melt compounding process to produce well dispersed carbon particles throughout a thermoplastic matrix in an in-situ process. For this purpose, Carboxymethylcellulose particles are used. The selection of decomposition parameters around the processing temperature of polypropylene yields well-dispersed carbon particles, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. This further interprets the resulting promising mechanical properties.