Linear viscoelastic properties and dielectric behavior of poly(1-butene)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were investigated. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed significant increase in storage modulus in the rubbery regime. The tan delta peak temperature remained constant; however, the peak intensity was lowered for the nanocomposites. In melt rheological studies the nanocomposites showed a shift in crossover frequency to the lower side, suggesting delayed relaxation of the molecular chains in the presence of MWCNT and this shift was found to depend on the content of MWCNT. The dielectric constant increased from 2.2 to 70 for the nanocomposite with 7 wt. % MWCNT. The electrical conductivity increased significantly, from 10(-15) to 10(-3) S/cm. The results of rheology and dielectric studies indicate that a percolation network is formed that is responsible for the observed changes.

Foreign