Multifunctional polyetherimide nanocomposite foam

Abstract

Polyetherimide/multi-wall carbon nanotube nanocomposite foams were fabricated and their electrical and mechanical properties characterized. The composites with 0.5–3 wt% of carbon nanotube loadings were fabricated using a solution-based method. Different foaming conditions were studied along with the residual solvent effects. It was found that the residual solvent significantly affected the mechanical properties of the nanocompsites. Electrical conductivity of the composite foams with the same wt% loading of carbon nanotubes was found to be dependent on the relative density of the foams. Foams with a higher relative density had a higher electrical conductivity. The fabricated polyetherimide nanocomposite foam is thermally stable, with a glass transition temperature close to that of the neat polyetherimide. Despite the volume expansion due to foaming, the polyetherimide nanocomposite foams achieved an electrical conductivity of 10⁻⁷ S/cm at 2 wt% carbon nanotube loading and 45% relative density. This makes them a multifunctional material for lightweight and electrostatic dissipative applications.