Polyamide 11-MWNT nanocomposites: Thermal and electrical conductivity measurements

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with different loadings (0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 wt%) were incorporated into polyamide 11 using a powder-powder mixing technique to form nanocomposites. The density and specific heat of each nanocomposite were measured. Thermal conductivities of these polymer nanocomposite powders were measured in a nitrogen atmosphere using a commercial transient plane-source device. Results indicate the thermal conductivity of preheated powder was larger than the fresh powder and similar to that at the melting temperature. The powder formulations were also pressed into films using a heat press and room temperature electrical conductivity measurements were performed. Substantial improvements in electrical conductivity were observed with increasing loading of MWNT. Microstructures of the nanocomposite specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy.