Conductive polycarbonate composites prepared by a ternary polymer blend approach involving sea‐island‐type interfacial carbon black networks

Ternary blends containing one major and two minor components are a common type of polymer blends, however, they have never been used to improve the electrical conductivity of polymer composites. Herein, polycarbonate (PC)/nylon-poly(m-xylene adipamide) (MXD6)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) (70/15/15) ternary blend is used to improve the conductivity of PC by forming sea-island type interfacial carbon black (CB) networks. The phase change of PET from island to continuous structure, caused by the formation of CB networks at PET/MXD6 interface, is the key of success. The electrical percolation threshold of CB is much smaller than that in neat PC (only a ninth). Rheological investigation is carried out to confirm the formation of CB networks. The static mechanical properties of PC/MXD6/PET (70/15/15)-2 vol% CB composite are evaluated by tensile testing, showing improved stiffness and strength, compared with the corresponding ternary blend, neat PC, and PC-2 vol% CB composite.