Preparation and characterization of polystyrene/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite fibers

Polystyrene(PS)/multiwalled carbon nanotube(MWNTs) composite fibers were prepared via micro melt extrusion and melt spinning. Modifier was used to increase the draw ratios of the composite. Optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy results show that MWNTs disperse homogeneously in the matrix when its content is lower than 2%. Higher nanotube loading resulted in the larger aggregation and bad dispersion, and most of MWNTs orientated along the fiber axis. The tensile strength and dimensional stability of the composite fibers are improved with a comparatively lower MWNTs content. The electrical percolation threshold occurs when the MWNTs content is between 2% and 5%. The dynamic rheological percolation threshold of the composite is corresponding to the electrical percolation threshold.