Characterization and thermal kinetic analysis of PMMA/modified-MWCNT nanocomposites

This study represents the processing, characterization and thermal properties of poly(methylmethacrylate)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (PMMA/MWCNT) and PMMA/MWCNT-OH nanocomposites prepared using the solution casting method. The starting components and nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphological studies showed that MWCNT were well dispersed in the polymer matrix. Thermal degradation of nanocomposites occurred in three steps, similar to PMMA. Both MWCNT and MWCNT-OH increased the glass transition temperature of PMMA. The nanocomposite with the highest glass transition temperature of 111 degrees C was the one containing 0.25 wt% MWCNT-OH. Kissinger and FWO equations were used to analyze the kinetic data obtained at different heating rates. Using these equations, the activation energies were deduced to be 263 and 261 kJ/mol for PMMA in DMF, and 198 and 198 kJ/mol for PMMA in THF.