Reinforcement of rigid PVC/wood-flour composites with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) were compounded with PVC by a melt blending process based on fusion behaviors of PVC. The effects of CNT content on the flexural and tensile properies of the PVC/CNT composites were evaluated in order to optimize the CNT content. The optimized CNT-reinforced PVC was used as a matrix in the manufacture of wood-plastic composites. Flexural, electrical, and thermal properties of the PVC/wood-flour composites were evaluated as a function of matrix type (nonreinforced vs. CNT-reinforced). The experimental results indicated that rigid PVC/wood-flour composites with properties similar to those of solid wood can be made by using CNT-reinforced PVC as a matrix. The CNT-reinforced PVC did not influence the electrical and thermal conductivity of the PVC/wood-flour composites.