Chitosan /MWCNTs composite fibers : Structure and properties

The present study focuses on development and characterization of wet spun fibers composed of chitosan(CHT) as a biopolymer matrix and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a conductive filler. The scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) revealed fibers with circular cross section and also confirmed the proper distribution of MWCNTs inthe CHT matrix. Further, Mechanical testing exhibited a considerable increase in Young’s modulus and tensile stress forthe CHT/MWCNT composite fibers. In particular, the measurement of four point probe electrical conductivity showed amaximum conductivity of 0.24 S/cm corresponds to 2.89 wt% MWCNT. In addition, a significant improvement wasobserved in thermal stability of nanocomposite fibers using Thermal Gravimetric (TGA) and Dynamic ScanningCalorimetric (DSC) analysis.

Keywords:

Carbon Nanotube , Chitosan , Wet spinning , Nanocomposite