Effective Multifunctionality of Poly(p-phenylene sulfide) Nanocomposites Filled with Different Amounts of Carbon Nanotubes, Graphite and Short Carbon Fibers

The aim of this work was the fundamental research on multifunctional properties of poly(p-phenylene sulfide) (PPS) composites using commercially available multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) in combination with microscale short carbon fibers (SCF) and graphite (Gr) as fillers. Systematic combinations of the three fillers were investigated to explore the efficiency of the respective single fillers in combined systems. It could be demonstrated that MWNT are the most effective filler for realizing electrical conductivity, whereas SCF are favorable to improve mechanical and tribological properties. Gr is good for improving the tribological properties too. The multimodal filled composites resulted in the best property profile. Existing synergies between SCF and MWNT regarding electrical conductivity, especially near to the percolation threshold, were modeled.