The role of multiwall carbon nanotubes on physical, mechanical and rheological properties of poly(lactic acid)/natural rubber/CNT hybrid systems

The main objective of the present work was to study the role of carbon nanotube (CNT) on the microstructure development and physical, mechanical, and rheological properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/natural rubber (NR)/CNT hybrid nanocomposites. The PLA/NR blend samples with constant blend ratio (90/10) were prepared by melt mixing in a laboratory internal mixer at a temperature of 190°C. The behavior of the PLA/NR blend was examined depending on the CNT content (0.5–6 wt%). The droplet size and droplet size distribution of the NR phase decreases with the increase in CNTs content. This could be explained in terms of compatibilizing effect of CNT and the changing of the viscosity ratio of the blend phases. The development of the microstructure and the physical properties of the blend were also investigated according to the CNT contents by measuring the linear viscoelasticity. The elongational behavior and mechanical properties of the blends were strongly dependent on the location of the CNT. The CNT worked as an efficient compatibilizer and also it worked as a reinforcing filler making the matrix more rigid.