Thermo-Physics characterization of polypropylene/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites for rapid replication using hot embossing process

This study presents a comprehensive review of the thermophysical, rheological, and mechanical characteristics of nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The high-loaded polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites with multi-walled carbon nanotube loadings ranging from 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.% were elaborated via high-shear mixing using a twin-screw mixer. The structural and rheological properties of the neat polypropylene in the molten state and those of the elaborated composites were determined. The thermophysical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated via differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical properties were determined through quasi-static tensile testing at room temperature. The results clearly indicate that the incorporation of CNTs in a thermoplastic polymer matrix significantly improves the final thermophysical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, through excellent dispersion of CNTs in the thermoplastic matrix and an improvement in interfacial interaction. The produced nanocomposites were granulated and used in a hot embossing process to manufacture micro-structured components. These micro-shapes on the surface of a metal mould were successfully transferred to a CNTs/PP nanocomposite substrate.