Rheological and electrical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes-polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites treated at different pH conditions

This work demonstrates the physical properties of polymer nanocomposites of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at different weight ratios. The results demonstrate that the rheological and electrical properties are significantly improved. The improvement over PVA properties suggests that the functionalization of MWCNTs, at optimum pH condition, will improve their dispersion in the PVA matrix and enhance their interaction with polymer matrix. The storage modulus and thermal stability are enhanced with the increase of MWCNTs up to 1.0 wt%. Alternating current electrical results show that the incorporation of MWCNTs into PVA will enhance PVA conductivity and polar character while decreasing impedance.