Hendra Suherman, Abu Bakar Sulong, Mohd Yusuf Zakaria, Nishata Royan, and Jaafar Sahari

DOI: 10.14456/sjst-psu.2018.12

pp. 105 - 112

Abstract

Chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphite (G) was performed to improve their adhesion to a
metal powder (SS316L) and a polypropylene (PP) matrix. A conductive pathway was thus formed to utilize the high electrical
conductivity of the SS316L for conductive polymer composites (CPCs) applications. The rheological properties of the feedstock
mixture were measured, and samples were formed by injection molding. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the
existence of functional groups generated by chemical wet oxidation. Only feedstock mixtures containing more than 28 vol% of
the PP composite showed a shear rate (10²s^-1
to 10⁵
s
^-1
), shear viscosity (10 Pa·s to 10³ Pa·s), and flow behavior index (n<1)
suitable for injection molding. The functionalized composites exhibited improved electrical and mechanical properties over the
as-produced composites. The functionalized composites containing 28 vol% PP obtained an electrical conductivity of 6 S/m,
compared to 0.5 S/m for the as-produced composites.