Microstructure Equivalence of PA6/PE/CNT Nanocomposites

Abstract

CNT was used as a conductive filler in order to generate conductivity as a tissue equivalent material in PA6/PE blends. Tissue equivalent nanocomposites were prepared by filling different parts (1 ~ 4%) of CNTs. Conductivity tests showed that the penetration threshold of PA6/PE blends was reached by adding only 3% CNT. PA6/PE/CNT nanocomposites filled with 3% CNT have good electrical conductivity. The high aspect ratio is beneficial to the formation of continuous PA phase conductive network, and the double-permeable structure is constructed in PA6/PE/CNT nanocomposites, which reduces the permeability threshold. TEM observations confirmed the co-continuous morphology of PA6/PE/CNT nanocomposites and the selective localization of CNTs at the PA phase and the interface between the two phases. Due to the high aspect ratio of CNTs, they contact each other in the continuous PA phase to form a conductive network, thus providing the electrical properties of nanocomposites. The similarity of the composite density and soft tissue reflects the tissue equivalence of PA6/PE/CNT nanocomposites.