Dispersion and characterization of thermoplastic polyurethane/multiwalled carbon nanotubes by melt mixing

The dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) was evaluated in a corotative twin-screw extruder through a melt-blending process. A specific experimental design was prepared with different parameters, such as screw speed, screw design, and carbon nanotube loading, taken into account. The obtained samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, light transmission microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamic rheometry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and electrical conductivity. This work focuses on the influence of the compounding parameters in the dispersion quality of MWCNTs in a TPU matrix to optimize them for an industrial scaleup. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011