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Investigation of carbon black grades and multiwall carbon nanotube hybridization for the development of electrically conductive polyamide 6-based nanocomposite filaments

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 534 - 545

Müslüm Kaplan

Abstract

The development of electrically conductive polymer filaments has gained significant attention for applications in smart textiles and flexible electronics. This study systematically investigates the influence of different carbon black (CB) grades and their hybridization with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the electrical and processing properties of polyamide 6 (PA6) based nanocomposite filaments. Three commercial CB grades were evaluated through morphological analysis, mixing energy measurements, and electrical resistivity characterization. Light microscopy analysis revealed that Vulcan XC72 exhibited superior dispersion homogeneity compared to XC MAX22 and XC615. The mixing energy calculations demonstrated that XC72 maintained consistent processing behavior, with energy requirements ranging from 25.067 J/cm³ at 1 wt% to 25.790 J/cm³ at 5 wt% loading. Electrical resistivity measurements showed significant differences in percolation behavior, with XC72 achieving 2.33E+03 ohm·cm at 13 wt%. Based on these findings, XC72 was selected for developing PA6/CB and PA6/MWCNT/CB hybrid nanocomposite filaments. While PA6/CB filaments showed insufficient conductivity, PA6/MWCNT filaments achieved 2.94E+00 ohm·cm at 10 wt%, and hybrid filaments demonstrated intermediate conductivity of 7.28E+00 ohm·cm. SEM analysis revealed the formation of interconnected networks where MWCNTs effectively bridged CB particles, explaining the enhanced conductivity of hybrid systems. This study provides crucial insights for developing cost-effective conductive polymer filaments through systematic filler selection and processing optimization.

Keywords

Carbon black Polyamide 6 Nanomaterials Conductive filament Electrical conductivity Nanocomposite filaments

References

  • Gómez J, Villaro E, Karagiannidis P, Elmarakbi A (2020) Effects of chemical structure and morphology of graphene-related materials (GRMs) on melt processing and properties of GRM/polyamide-6 nanocomposites. Results Mater. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2020.100105
  • Völtz LR, Geng S, Teleman A, Oksman K (2022) Influence of dispersion and orientation on polyamide-6 cellulose nanocomposites manufactured through liquid-assisted extrusion. Nanomaterials. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12050818
  • LePere M (2020) Mechanical and electrical properties of 3D printed PA6 nanocomposites. NASA/SAMPE. https://doi.org/10.33599/nasampe/s.20.0255
  • Zhao M, Yi D, Yang R (2017) Enhanced mechanical properties and fire retardancy of polyamide 6 nanocomposites based on interdigitated crystalline montmorillonite–melamine cyanurate. J Appl Polym Sci https://doi.org/10.1002/app.46039
  • Brigandi PJ, Cogen JM, Wolf CA, Reffner J, Pearson RA (2015) Kinetic and thermodynamic control in conductive PP/PMMA/EAA carbon black composites. J Appl Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.42134
  • Sethi D, Ram R, Khastgir D (2017) Analysis of electrical and dynamic mechanical response of conductive elastomeric composites. Polym Compos. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.24429
  • Khandavalli S, Park JH, Kariuki NN, Myers DJ, Stickel JJ, Hurst KE et al (2018) Rheological investigation on the microstructure of fuel cell catalyst inks. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b15039
  • Lin G, Yu B, Hong W, Yu K, Hu Y (2020) Preparation of graded microporous layers for enhanced water management in fuel cells. J Appl Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.49564
  • Cheng H, Cao C, Qing-hai Z, Wang Y, Liu Y, Huang B et al (2021) Enhancement of electromagnetic interference shielding performance and wear resistance of the UHMWPE/PP blend. ACS Omega. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c01240
  • Gao X, Huang Y, He X, Fan X, Liu Y, Xu H et al (2019) Mechanically enhanced electrical conductivity of polydimethylsiloxane-based composites. Polymers. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11010056
  • Choi HJ, Kim MS, Ahn D, Yeo SY, Lee S (2019) Electrical percolation threshold of carbon black in a polymer matrix and its application to antistatic fibre. Sci Rep. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42495-1
  • Li H, Tuo X, Guo B, Yu J, Guo Z (2021) Comparison of three interfacial conductive networks formed in carbon black-filled PA6/PBT blends. Polymers. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13172926
  • Wang Y, Liu S, Zhu H, Ji H, Guo L, Wan Z et al (2021) The entangled conductive structure of CB/PA6/PP MFCs and their electromechanical properties. Polymers. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13060961
  • Beyaz R, Ekinci A, Yurtbasi Z, Öksüz M, Ateş M, Aydın Ö (2022) Thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of carbon fiber/copper powder/carbon black reinforced hybrid polyamide 6,6 composites. High Perform Polym. https://doi.org/10.1177/09540083221114752
  • Kaplan M, Ortega J, Krooß F, Gries T (2023) Bicomponent melt spinning of polyamide 6/carbon nanotube/carbon black filaments: investigation of effect of melt mass-flow rate on electrical conductivity. J Ind Text. https://doi.org/10.1177/15280837231186174
  • Don SW, Fernando CA, Edirisinghe DG (2021) Review on carbon black and graphite derivatives-based natural rubber composites. Adv Technol. https://doi.org/10.31357/ait.v1i1.4857
  • Mei X, Zhao Y, Jiang H, Gao T, Huang ZX, Qu J (2023) Multifunctional starch/carbon nanotube composites with segregated structure. J Appl Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.53904
  • Chen Y, Yang Q, Huang Y, Liao X, Niu Y (2016) Synergistic effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and carbon black on rheological behaviors and electrical conductivity of hybrid polypropylene nanocomposites. Polym Compos. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.24141
  • Kaplan M, Krause B, Pötschke P (2022) Polymer/CNT composites and filaments for smart textiles: melt mixing of composites. SSP. https://doi.org/10.4028/p-3g2wph
  • Grellmann H, Bruns M, Lohse F, Kruppke I, Nocke A, Cherif C (2021) Development of an elastic, electrically conductive coating for TPU filaments. Materials. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14237158
  • Kim NS (2020) 3D-printed conductive carbon-infused thermoplastic polyurethane. Polymers. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12061224
  • Liu W, Chang YC, Zhang J, Liu H (2022) Wet-spun side-by-side electrically conductive composite fibers. ACS Appl Electron Mater. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaelm.2c00150
  • Dinh D, Ninh H, Nguyen H, Nguyen D, Nguyen G, Nguyen T et al (2024) Polyamide 6/carbon fibre composite: an investigation of carbon fibre modifying pathways for improving mechanical properties. Plast Rubber Compos. https://doi.org/10.1177/14658011241253553
  • Nga P, Hua P, Ngo Q, Ha T, Nguyen V, Thành N et al (2024) The effect of carbon black percentage on mechanical properties and microstructure of PA6/CB blends. East-Eur J Enterp Technol. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2024.299067
  • Wang Z, Wang L, Meng Y, Wen Y, Pei J (2023) Effects of conductive carbon black on thermal and electrical properties of composites. J Renew Mater. https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2023.025497
  • Zhang J, Hong X, Long J, Liang B (2023) Preparation of ionic liquid modified graphene and its effect on enhancing the properties of PA6 composites. Polym Compos. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28026
  • Moronkeji O, Das D, Lee S, Chang K, Chasiotis I (2023) Local electrical conductivity of carbon black/PDMS nanocomposites subjected to large deformations. J Compos Mater. https://doi.org/10.1177/00219983231156253
  • Hamester M, Pietezak D, Dalmolin C, Becker D (2021) Influence of crystallinity and chain interactions on the electrical properties of polyamides/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites. J Appl Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.50817
  • Nagel J, Hanemann T, Rapp B, Finnah G (2022) Enhanced PTC effect in polyamide/carbon black composites. Materials. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155400
  • Hussain K, Shergill R, Hamzah H, Yeoman M, Patel B (2023) Exploring different carbon allotrope thermoplastic composites for electrochemical sensing. ChemRxiv. https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2022-l6xb3-v2
  • Zhai W, Zhu J, Wang Z, Zhao Y, Zhan P, Wang S et al (2022) Stretchable, sensitive strain sensors for wearable electronic skins. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c18233
  • Zhang H, Zhang B, Wang W, Guo Z, Yu J (2021) Highly efficient electrically conductive networks in polymer blends. J Appl Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.45877
  • Raju A, Das M, Dash B, Dey P, Nair S, Naskar K (2022) Variation of air permeability in rubber composites: influence of filler particle structure. Polym Eng Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.25879
  • Wu Z, Xie L, Shao Y, Wang J, Zhang M, Du J (2024) Percolation behavior and sensing performance of polypropylene-based conductive polymer composites. J Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.20230894
  • Beyaz R, Ekinci A, Yurtbasi Z, Öksüz M, Ateş M, Aydın Ö (2022) Thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of hybrid polyamide composites. High Perform Polym. https://doi.org/10.1177/09540083221114752

Investigation of carbon black grades and multiwall carbon nanotube hybridization for the development of electrically conductive polyamide 6-based nanocomposite filaments

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 534 - 545

Müslüm Kaplan

Abstract

The development of electrically conductive polymer filaments has gained significant attention for applications in smart textiles and flexible electronics. This study systematically investigates the influence of different carbon black (CB) grades and their hybridization with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the electrical and processing properties of polyamide 6 (PA6) based nanocomposite filaments. Three commercial CB grades were evaluated through morphological analysis, mixing energy measurements, and electrical resistivity characterization. Light microscopy analysis revealed that Vulcan XC72 exhibited superior dispersion homogeneity compared to XC MAX22 and XC615. The mixing energy calculations demonstrated that XC72 maintained consistent processing behavior, with energy requirements ranging from 25.067 J/cm³ at 1 wt% to 25.790 J/cm³ at 5 wt% loading. Electrical resistivity measurements showed significant differences in percolation behavior, with XC72 achieving 2.33E+03 ohm·cm at 13 wt%. Based on these findings, XC72 was selected for developing PA6/CB and PA6/MWCNT/CB hybrid nanocomposite filaments. While PA6/CB filaments showed insufficient conductivity, PA6/MWCNT filaments achieved 2.94E+00 ohm·cm at 10 wt%, and hybrid filaments demonstrated intermediate conductivity of 7.28E+00 ohm·cm. SEM analysis revealed the formation of interconnected networks where MWCNTs effectively bridged CB particles, explaining the enhanced conductivity of hybrid systems. This study provides crucial insights for developing cost-effective conductive polymer filaments through systematic filler selection and processing optimization.

Keywords

Carbon black Polyamide 6 Nanomaterials Conductive filament Electrical conductivity Nanocomposite filaments

References

  • Gómez J, Villaro E, Karagiannidis P, Elmarakbi A (2020) Effects of chemical structure and morphology of graphene-related materials (GRMs) on melt processing and properties of GRM/polyamide-6 nanocomposites. Results Mater. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2020.100105
  • Völtz LR, Geng S, Teleman A, Oksman K (2022) Influence of dispersion and orientation on polyamide-6 cellulose nanocomposites manufactured through liquid-assisted extrusion. Nanomaterials. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12050818
  • LePere M (2020) Mechanical and electrical properties of 3D printed PA6 nanocomposites. NASA/SAMPE. https://doi.org/10.33599/nasampe/s.20.0255
  • Zhao M, Yi D, Yang R (2017) Enhanced mechanical properties and fire retardancy of polyamide 6 nanocomposites based on interdigitated crystalline montmorillonite–melamine cyanurate. J Appl Polym Sci https://doi.org/10.1002/app.46039
  • Brigandi PJ, Cogen JM, Wolf CA, Reffner J, Pearson RA (2015) Kinetic and thermodynamic control in conductive PP/PMMA/EAA carbon black composites. J Appl Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.42134
  • Sethi D, Ram R, Khastgir D (2017) Analysis of electrical and dynamic mechanical response of conductive elastomeric composites. Polym Compos. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.24429
  • Khandavalli S, Park JH, Kariuki NN, Myers DJ, Stickel JJ, Hurst KE et al (2018) Rheological investigation on the microstructure of fuel cell catalyst inks. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b15039
  • Lin G, Yu B, Hong W, Yu K, Hu Y (2020) Preparation of graded microporous layers for enhanced water management in fuel cells. J Appl Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.49564
  • Cheng H, Cao C, Qing-hai Z, Wang Y, Liu Y, Huang B et al (2021) Enhancement of electromagnetic interference shielding performance and wear resistance of the UHMWPE/PP blend. ACS Omega. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c01240
  • Gao X, Huang Y, He X, Fan X, Liu Y, Xu H et al (2019) Mechanically enhanced electrical conductivity of polydimethylsiloxane-based composites. Polymers. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11010056
  • Choi HJ, Kim MS, Ahn D, Yeo SY, Lee S (2019) Electrical percolation threshold of carbon black in a polymer matrix and its application to antistatic fibre. Sci Rep. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42495-1
  • Li H, Tuo X, Guo B, Yu J, Guo Z (2021) Comparison of three interfacial conductive networks formed in carbon black-filled PA6/PBT blends. Polymers. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13172926
  • Wang Y, Liu S, Zhu H, Ji H, Guo L, Wan Z et al (2021) The entangled conductive structure of CB/PA6/PP MFCs and their electromechanical properties. Polymers. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13060961
  • Beyaz R, Ekinci A, Yurtbasi Z, Öksüz M, Ateş M, Aydın Ö (2022) Thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of carbon fiber/copper powder/carbon black reinforced hybrid polyamide 6,6 composites. High Perform Polym. https://doi.org/10.1177/09540083221114752
  • Kaplan M, Ortega J, Krooß F, Gries T (2023) Bicomponent melt spinning of polyamide 6/carbon nanotube/carbon black filaments: investigation of effect of melt mass-flow rate on electrical conductivity. J Ind Text. https://doi.org/10.1177/15280837231186174
  • Don SW, Fernando CA, Edirisinghe DG (2021) Review on carbon black and graphite derivatives-based natural rubber composites. Adv Technol. https://doi.org/10.31357/ait.v1i1.4857
  • Mei X, Zhao Y, Jiang H, Gao T, Huang ZX, Qu J (2023) Multifunctional starch/carbon nanotube composites with segregated structure. J Appl Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.53904
  • Chen Y, Yang Q, Huang Y, Liao X, Niu Y (2016) Synergistic effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and carbon black on rheological behaviors and electrical conductivity of hybrid polypropylene nanocomposites. Polym Compos. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.24141
  • Kaplan M, Krause B, Pötschke P (2022) Polymer/CNT composites and filaments for smart textiles: melt mixing of composites. SSP. https://doi.org/10.4028/p-3g2wph
  • Grellmann H, Bruns M, Lohse F, Kruppke I, Nocke A, Cherif C (2021) Development of an elastic, electrically conductive coating for TPU filaments. Materials. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14237158
  • Kim NS (2020) 3D-printed conductive carbon-infused thermoplastic polyurethane. Polymers. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12061224
  • Liu W, Chang YC, Zhang J, Liu H (2022) Wet-spun side-by-side electrically conductive composite fibers. ACS Appl Electron Mater. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaelm.2c00150
  • Dinh D, Ninh H, Nguyen H, Nguyen D, Nguyen G, Nguyen T et al (2024) Polyamide 6/carbon fibre composite: an investigation of carbon fibre modifying pathways for improving mechanical properties. Plast Rubber Compos. https://doi.org/10.1177/14658011241253553
  • Nga P, Hua P, Ngo Q, Ha T, Nguyen V, Thành N et al (2024) The effect of carbon black percentage on mechanical properties and microstructure of PA6/CB blends. East-Eur J Enterp Technol. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2024.299067
  • Wang Z, Wang L, Meng Y, Wen Y, Pei J (2023) Effects of conductive carbon black on thermal and electrical properties of composites. J Renew Mater. https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2023.025497
  • Zhang J, Hong X, Long J, Liang B (2023) Preparation of ionic liquid modified graphene and its effect on enhancing the properties of PA6 composites. Polym Compos. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28026
  • Moronkeji O, Das D, Lee S, Chang K, Chasiotis I (2023) Local electrical conductivity of carbon black/PDMS nanocomposites subjected to large deformations. J Compos Mater. https://doi.org/10.1177/00219983231156253
  • Hamester M, Pietezak D, Dalmolin C, Becker D (2021) Influence of crystallinity and chain interactions on the electrical properties of polyamides/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites. J Appl Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.50817
  • Nagel J, Hanemann T, Rapp B, Finnah G (2022) Enhanced PTC effect in polyamide/carbon black composites. Materials. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155400
  • Hussain K, Shergill R, Hamzah H, Yeoman M, Patel B (2023) Exploring different carbon allotrope thermoplastic composites for electrochemical sensing. ChemRxiv. https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2022-l6xb3-v2
  • Zhai W, Zhu J, Wang Z, Zhao Y, Zhan P, Wang S et al (2022) Stretchable, sensitive strain sensors for wearable electronic skins. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c18233
  • Zhang H, Zhang B, Wang W, Guo Z, Yu J (2021) Highly efficient electrically conductive networks in polymer blends. J Appl Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.45877
  • Raju A, Das M, Dash B, Dey P, Nair S, Naskar K (2022) Variation of air permeability in rubber composites: influence of filler particle structure. Polym Eng Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.25879
  • Wu Z, Xie L, Shao Y, Wang J, Zhang M, Du J (2024) Percolation behavior and sensing performance of polypropylene-based conductive polymer composites. J Polym Sci. https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.20230894
  • Beyaz R, Ekinci A, Yurtbasi Z, Öksüz M, Ateş M, Aydın Ö (2022) Thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of hybrid polyamide composites. High Perform Polym. https://doi.org/10.1177/09540083221114752
There are 35 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Wearable Materials, Composite and Hybrid Materials, Polymers and Plastics, Fiber Technology
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Müslüm Kaplan 0000-0002-8410-4688

Publication Date
Submission Date February 15, 2025
Acceptance Date April 8, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 5 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Kaplan, M. (n.d.). Investigation of carbon black grades and multiwall carbon nanotube hybridization for the development of electrically conductive polyamide 6-based nanocomposite filaments. Journal of Innovative Engineering and Natural Science, 5(2), 534-545.
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