| Abstract | Polypropylene-multiwalled carbon nanotube (PPCNT) composites were spun into fibers using meltspinning methods. The CNT content was varied by diluting the commercial masterbatch with a low viscosity PP homopolymer grade. The conductivity, as well as the mechanical properties, of the fibers were systematically tested in order to find the optimal formulation. Post-stretching was used to improve the mechanical properties of the fibers as well as to decrease the fiber diameters. Fibers having a conductivity of 0.4 S/cm, a Young’s modulus of 5.4 GPa and a tensile strength of 250 MPa were obtained after a three-fold stretching. Trilayer coaxial fibers similar to data transfer coaxial cables (two conductive layers separated by an insulating layer) were then produced in a one-step melt-spinning method using a specially designed die, followed by solid state post-stretching. |
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