Preparation of polystyrene/MWCNT‐Valine composites: Investigation of optical, morphological, thermal, and electrical conductivity properties

Abstract

The attempt of this research was to examine the effect of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐Valine as efficient fillers on the thermal, optical, and electrical behaviors of polystyrene (PS). To reduce aggregation and obtain uniform spreading of fillers into the PS, at first, MWCNTs' surfaces were modified by Valine amino acid. Then, different contents of MWCNT‐Valine (0.5, 1, and 2 wt%) were added to PS by ultrasonication processes. The field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results showed a uniform distribution of modified MWCNTs into the matrix. The thermal properties of nanocomposites were improved by increasing nanofiller content. In addition, embedding of MWCNT‐Valine into the PS matrix increased the electrical conductivity of nanocomposites in comparison with pure PS.