Effects of molecular weight, stereo configuration of <scp>PLA</scp> , and processing on the dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and properties of corresponding nanocomposites

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were dispersed and distributed via a co-rotating twin-screw extruder (TSE) in high (h)- low (l)-molecular-weight amorphous semicrystalline polylactides (PLAs) (aPLA scPLA, respectively). Effects of PLA molecular weight D-lactic acid equivalents content (D-content), as well processing parameters, examined on the MWCNT dispersion quality PLA. The effectiveness various matrices was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) small-amplitude oscillatory transient shear flow rheometry molten state. results showed better MWCNTs low-molecular-weight grades (aPLAl scPLAl). In addition, observed aPLA when processed at higher temperature 190°C than 150°C. At 150°C, while bundles aPLAl could be broken down, good not achieved aPLAh due to lower mobility such temperature. electrical conductivity samples also shown increase improved. existence crystallites scPLA-based nanocomposites, however, disrupted connectivity decreased final conductivity. prepared highest (~10−5 S/m) loading 0.5 wt.% MWCNTs.