Silane modification of carbon nanotubes and preparation of silane cross linked LLDPE / MWCNT nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are functionalized by vinyltriethoxy silane (VTES) to incorporate the –O–C2H5 functional group and melt blended with the polyethylene and silane crosslinked polyethylene. Silanation of CNT was confirmed by FTIR, TGA and EDAX analysis. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of carbon nanotube contents, modification and water-crosslinking on the mechanical and electrical properties of the LLDPE/CNT composite. Hot set test showed that silane crosslinking of polyethylene and incorporation of modified carbon nanotubes into polyethylene can improve mechanical properties of polymer. Electrical percolation threshold was decreased after silane modification of carbon nanotubes