Thermally induced phase separation in PαMSAN/PMMA blends in presence of functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes: Rheology, morphology and electrical conductivity

The focus of this work is the evaluation and analysis of the state of dispersion of functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs), within different morphologies formed, in a model LCST blend (poly[(α-methylstyrene)-co-(acrylonitrile)]/poly(methyl-methacrylate), PαMSAN/PMMA). Blend compositions that are expected to yield droplet-matrix (85/15 PαMSAN/PMMA and 15/85 PαMSAN/PMMA, wt/wt) and co-continuous morphologies (60/40 PαMSAN/PMMA, wt/wt) upon phase separation have been combined with two types of CNTs; carboxylic acid functionalized (CNTCOOH) and polyethylene modified (CNTPE) up to 2 wt%. Thermally induced phase separation in the blends has been studied in-situ by rheology and dielectric (conductivity) spectroscopy in terms of morphological evolution and CNT percolation. The state of dispersion of CNTs has been evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. The experimental results indicate that the final blend morphology and the surface functionalization of CNT are the main factors that govern percolation. In presence of either of the CNTs, 60/40 PαMSAN/PMMA blends yield a droplet-matrix morphology rather than co-continuous and do not show any percolation. On the other hand, both 85/15 PαMSAN/PMMA and 15/85 PαMSAN/PMMA blends containing CNTPEs show percolation in the rheological and electrical properties. Interestingly, the conductivity spectroscopy measurements demonstrate that the 15/85 PαMSAN/PMMA blends with CNTPEs that show insulating properties at room temperature for the miscible blends reveal highly conducting properties in the phase separated blends (melt state) as a result of phase separation. By quenching this morphology, the conductivity can be retained in the blends even in the solid state.