ACADEMIA Letters

Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Polymer

Nanocomposites
Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia - UTM

Abstract
Exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets (GNP)-3 phr was incorporated into PP with increasing con-
centration of treated and untreated kenaf flour 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 weight percent respectively
and prepared via melt-extrusion using co-rotating twin screw extruder. The resulting poly-
mer nanocomposites (PNCs) were characterized in terms of electrical, thermomechanical,
and morphological properties. The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) significantly de-
creased. The electrical properties decreased with increasing fiber content. However, despite
the decline in electrical conductivity, the composites were still relatively conductive for ap-
plications such as sensors and electromagnetic shielding with fiber inclusion.
Keywords: Graphene nanoplatelets; Thermal analysis; Electrical conductivity.

1. Introduction
Generally, polymers are perceived as thermal and electrical insulators. Inclusion of conduc-
tive fillers such as carbon derivatives, fibers and metallic powders into an insulative polymer
matrix enhances the conductivity of the resulting PNCs [1]. There has been an increasing
progress in use of GNP as multi-functional phase in PNCs [2]. These GNP exhibits array
of properties similarly related to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) such as flame retardancy, thermal

Academia Letters, July 2021 ©2021 by the author — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0

Corresponding Author: Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah, [email protected]

Citation: Idumah, D.C.I. (2021). Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites.
Academia Letters, Article 2290.

1
and electrical conductivity, mechanical, thermal, and physical properties in addition to the
low cost and layering micro-structures of nanoclay [3, 4]. Coefficient of thermal expansion
(CTE) obtained from thermomechanical thermal analysis (TMA) measurement is employed
in evaluating the dimensional variation in addition to thermal stresses induced by thermal
changes [5]. The heat distortion temperature (or heat deflection temperature) (HDT) of PNCs
facilitates awareness of is heat-proof property [6]. HDT of a polymer material is the temper-
ature where deformation of the material attains its optimum at a specific loading and rate of
heating under test conditions [7]. For PNCs, heat-proof properties highly depend on degree of
nanofiller dispersion in matrix, interfacial adhesion and structure of components in the PNCs
[8]. Thus, the aim of the present study is to analyze the influence of increasing inclusion of
kenaf fibre of varying loadings on electrical, CTE, and HDT of GNP/PP composite.

2. Experimental
2.1. Materials
Heterophasic polypropylene (PP) copolymer, SM 240 grade of density of 0.96 g/cm3, with
melt flow index of 35 g/10 min (230 �C and 2.16 kg load) was purchased from Lotte Titan
Chemicals Malaysia. The compatibilizer MAPP was purchased from DuPont, Dow Elas-
tomers, and Wilmington DE, USA. Kenaf fiber was obtained from Malaysian Agricultural
and Development Institute (MARDI), Kuala Lumpur. GNP-M5 grade composed of 99.5 %
carbon and graphene nanoplatelets of average diameter 5μm, and average thickness of 6 nm
was purchased as dry flour from XG Sciences, Inc., East Lansing, MI, USA, and applied as
received.

2.2. Preparation of composites

Polypropylene heterophasic copolymer of SM 240 grade with density of 0.96 g/cm3 and melt
flow index of 35 g/10 min (230 �C and 2.16 kg load) was dried in a vacuum oven at 80 �C for 24
hrs and maleic anhydride (MA) was dried for 5h at temperature of 60 �C. Kenaf core fiber was
ground and sieved using mesh of � 500 μm via sieve shaker equipment to obtain powdered ke-
naf core fibers of sizes � 500 μm in longitudinal orientation. In order to minimize the moisture
content, the powdered kenaf flour were oven dried at 60 �C for 24 hours and underwent drying
at 70°C in a vacuum oven until attainment of constant weight. All the composites were melt
intercalated through utilization of Brabender PL 2000 Plastic Coder counter rotating double
screw extruder [with 4 mm rod-die, L/D= 30 and D= 25 mm]. Extruder melt pressure was
about 12 bars with optimized temperature at 185 �C from the feed zone to the die head zone.

Academia Letters, July 2021 ©2021 by the author — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0

Corresponding Author: Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah, [email protected]

Citation: Idumah, D.C.I. (2021). Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites.
Academia Letters, Article 2290.

2
All materials were melting intercalated in a single step process with various corresponding
amounts of GNPs according to the sample formulation. The concentrations of GNPs were
calculated on per hundred of total composites while 3 phr was selected as consistent inclusion
for all composites.

2.3. Characterization
2.3.1. Arc-resistance

Arc-resistance facilitates insight into the resistance of reinforced polymers to elevated power
discharges across their surfaces. Arc-resisting measuring equipment was utilized in measuring
arc resistance of the samples according to ASTM D 495. This measurement technique was
used in applying a 10 KV voltage with a restrained arc-discharge of 10 mA across the samples.
Moreover, the samples were maintained within two electrodes in shape of a chisel in separation
by a distance of 0.635 cm.

2.3.2. Volume and surface resistivity

ASTM D 257 was utilized in determining volume and surface-resistivity and measurements
conducted with a Keithlei-electrometer model 610C using disc shaped sample sizes of 100
mm deriving values for volume resistivity relative to Equation 1,

(1)
Where A represents area = 19.6 and t = sample thickness and Rv is given as volume
resistance. Thus, surface resistivity is attained using the expression,
Surface resistivity (Ω) = A x Rs, where A is given by area = 18.8 and Rs is the resistance
of the surface.

2.3.3. Vicat softening temperature

This was determined using ASTM D 1525. It is the temperature a circular cross section needle
of 1 mm2 underwent penetration of 1 mm depth into a composite sample. The sample sizes
used were of cross section 10 x 10 mm.

Academia Letters, July 2021 ©2021 by the author — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0

Corresponding Author: Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah, [email protected]

Citation: Idumah, D.C.I. (2021). Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites.
Academia Letters, Article 2290.

3
2.3.4. Thermal mechanical analysis (TMA)

Thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) for determination of coefficient of thermal expansion

(CTE) was conducted using thermomechanical analyzer (TMA 2940-TA Instruments) with
samples of sizes 60mm x 10mm x 3mm w calibrated from a heating rate of 2 °C min–1 at
room temperature till 250 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere.

2.3.5. Heat deflection temperature

HDT according to ASTM D648 was conducted using GOTECH GT-HV2000W HDT/VICAT
equipment with samples of sizes 120 mm x 4 mm x 4 mm. Initially, a load of 0.46 MPa (66 psi)
was enforced, subsequently followed by a higher loading of 1.80 MPa (264 psi). Temperature
values at each specific loading and deflection were collected.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1. Arc resistance
Figure 1 demonstrates the arc resistance of samples. Results reveal that arc resistance min-
imized upto 20 % of kenaf flour loading in PP matrix. The treated rice husk expressed an
increase in arc resistance unlike the untreated samples. This is attributed to the compatibility
existing between the nanofiller, the matrix and treated kenaf flour.

Academia Letters, July 2021 ©2021 by the author — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0

Corresponding Author: Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah, [email protected]

Citation: Idumah, D.C.I. (2021). Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites.
Academia Letters, Article 2290.

4
 Figure 1 Arc resistance

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Corresponding Author: Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah, [email protected]

Citation: Idumah, D.C.I. (2021). Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites.
Academia Letters, Article 2290.

5
3.2. Volume and surface resistivity
Figure 2 reveals the variation of volume resistivity of kenaf flour PP/GNP nanocomposite
with increasing inclusion of kenaf flour. The volume resistivity sharply decreased at 10 wt.
% loading of kenaf flour. Beyond this point further inclusion did not cause any significant
variation in volume resistivity.

Figure 2 Volume resistivity

Academia Letters, July 2021 ©2021 by the author — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0

Corresponding Author: Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah, [email protected]

Citation: Idumah, D.C.I. (2021). Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites.
Academia Letters, Article 2290.

6
 A similar trend was observed for treated kenaf PP-GNP materials. In this behavior, un-
treated kenaf flour volume resistivity demonstrated superiority in comparison with treated ke-
naf PP/GNP nanocomposites. The inherent hydrophilic nature of kenaf flour tended towards
absorption of water, though minimized after treatment while increasing 10 wt. % kenaf vol-
ume resistivity of PP/GNP nanocomposites. GNP assisted in stabilizing the formulation.
Figure 3 reveals the surface resistivity dependence of kenaf flour concentration in PP/GNP
nanocomposites.

Figure 3 Surface resistivity

Academia Letters, July 2021 ©2021 by the author — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0

Corresponding Author: Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah, [email protected]

Citation: Idumah, D.C.I. (2021). Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites.
Academia Letters, Article 2290.

7
 Surface resistivity minimized with increasing inclusion of both treated and untreated ke-
naf flour in PP/GNP. This behavior is ascribed to the presence of extraneous materials and
moisture on the surface of the fibre. Kenaf flour is an agricultural product and its chemical
constitution is function of the cellulose type and percentage. Though restrained largely by
GNP, cellulose has affinity to moisture absorption, thus increasing inclusion of kenaf flour in
PP matrix enhanced affinity to moisture absorption resulting in reduced surface resistivity.

3.3. Vicat softening temperature

Figure 4 expresses the occurring changes in Vicat softening temperature (VST) of treated and
untreated kenaf flour PP/GNP Nanocomposites.

Figure 4 Vicat softening temperature

Inclusion of 20 % kenaf flour maintained VST. However, further inclusion of kenaf flour
in PP/GNP slightly increased VST in both scenarios. From the foregoing result, it can be
deduced that treatment of kenaf flour does not affect the thermal-deformation behavior of the
nanocomposites.

3.4. Heat deflection temperature (HDT)

The HDT of hybrid treated and untreated KPG nanocomposites are shown in Figure 5.
Usually, HDT expresses materials propensity to maintain specific loads at increasing tem-
peratures. The HDT-graph in Figure 5 demonstrates the relative service behavior of the PNCs

Academia Letters, July 2021 ©2021 by the author — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0

Corresponding Author: Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah, [email protected]

Citation: Idumah, D.C.I. (2021). Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites.
Academia Letters, Article 2290.

8
 Figure 5 HDT of (a) treated and (b) untreated KPG nanocomposites

when employed as high temperature load bearing components. From Figure 5 (a) with regards
to 0.46 MPa (66 psi) loading of treated hybrid nanocomposites, HDT steadily improved from
85 �C of pristine PP to 133 �C at 10 wt. % inclusion of treated kenaf. On inclusion of 20 wt.
%, HDT increased to 138 �C which later increased to 139 �C and 138 �C respectively. In com-
parison with pristine PP, this is about 36%, 38 %, 39% and 38% increases respectively. This
is attributed specially to synergy attained between treated kenaf flour and GNP in addition to
superior thermal and high modulus of graphene at 1000 MPa [9].

4. Conclusion
Electrical conductivity and HDT of ternary hybrid nanocomposites were studied. Results
demonstrate the material suitable for application in the automotive and aerospace components
where electrical conductivity and heat dissipation are essential.

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Academia Letters, July 2021 ©2021 by the author — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0

Corresponding Author: Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah, [email protected]

Citation: Idumah, D.C.I. (2021). Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites.
Academia Letters, Article 2290.

9
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Academia Letters, July 2021 ©2021 by the author — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0

Corresponding Author: Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah, [email protected]

Citation: Idumah, D.C.I. (2021). Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites.
Academia Letters, Article 2290.

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