Synthesis and characterization of electrically conductive polyolefin nanocomposites

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Polyolefins are commodity plastics, which are widespread because of their low cost, recyclability, lightweight, ease of processing, good thermal and mechanical properties. Polyolefin nanocomposite materials, which combine superior engineering properties with desirable traits such as conductivity, light weight and ease of manufacturing are of major scientific and technological importance. Polyolefins are ubiquitous in polymer technology, yet conductive nanocomposites based on these materials are still in their infancy, mainly because of the inability to efficiently disperse conductive nanoparticles, and the poor interfacial adhesion between polymers and fillers. The proposed 5 year research program aims to develop melt compounded electroconductive polyolefin composites, containing well dispersed conducting multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), thus leading to improved and more uniform electrical and mechanical properties than the current state-of-the art. This objective will be accomplished by applying novel matrix and filler functionalization strategies. The creation of 1-D conductive structures by aligning MWCNT along a preferred direction, upon application of electric fields and shear, will be investigated. This research will lead to high-value-added applications of these conductive composites, such as Shape Memory Materials (SMP), conductive coatings and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and vulcanizate (TPV) formulations suitable for electrostatic painting. Funding is requested from NSERC to fund four graduate students who will conduct this research and to cover the related research expenses. The outcome of this research is expected to benefit Canadian manufacturers by providing them with innovative materials and processes to produce high-value-added products from commodity polymers.