Evaluation of mechanical mixing in multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) polyamide nanocomposites manufactured by selective laser sintering

Abstract

Nanocomposites of polyamide (PA) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were prepare through direct mechanical mixing and selective laser sintering, designated by PA/0.5%CNT. The morphology and structure of asreceived MWNT were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electronic microscope. Results indicated a high degree of agglomeration and structure with low defect density. Surface fracture of composites presented more brittle characteristics than pure polymer. Mechanical fracture of composite showed a insufficient dispersion of nanotubes in the matrix, resulting in a small difference on dynamical mechanical analyzes for composite and pure polyamide. Thus, become interesting to try new routes in order to obtain composites with improved dispersion and surface modificated through chemical processes.