Development of nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes in a thermoplastic elastomer matrix

We have developed a polycondensation process, which allows the manufacturing of thermoplastic elastomers with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The nanocomposites are obtained by introducing the CNTs into the reaction mixture whilst the synthesis of polybutylene terephthalate/polyoxytetramethylene (PBT/PTMO) blockcopolymers. In the first step the CNTs were dispersed in dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and 1,4-butanediol (BD) by ultrasonication and ultrahigh speed stirring. The nanocomposites were characterized by transmission, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force nicroscopy, tensile testing and dynamic-mechanical analysis. Only a small amount of CNTs was needed to improve the mechanical and dynamical properties, reversibility and energy absorption of the nanocomposites.