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B. Zanghellini, P. Knaack, S. Schörpf, K. Semlitsch, H. Lichtenegger, B. Praher, M. Omastová, H. Rennhofer:
"Solvent-Free Ultrasonic Dispersion of Nanofillers in Epoxy Matrix";
Polymers, 308 (2021), 13; S. 1 - 21.

Dispersion of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers is a crucial processing step in the production of polymer-based nanocomposites and poses a great challenge due to the tendency of nanofillers to agglomerate. One of the most effective methods for dispersion is the use of a three-roll mill, which is a well-established method and results in agglomerates below 5 µm. Nevertheless, this process is time-consuming and thus a limiting factor for industrial applications. Our aim was to establish an easy and efficient ultrasonic dispersion process, characterize the dispersion parameters, and compare both methods, ultrasonication and the three-roll mill. We applied rheological tests and analyzed the agglomerate sizes by an image fit of the microscopy images. All these analyses com-bined deliver a valuable set of information about the dispersion´s quality and, therefore, allows the improvement and further adaptation of the dispersion process.

ultrasonication; dispersion; functionalization; carbon nanotubes; rheology

http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym13020308

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/2/308