MWCNTs stand for Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. This material is very durable and consists of several carbon tubes or walls, one inside another. Each wall consists of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal structure. When mixed with thermoplastic, it yields a thermoplastic composite. There are several applications of MWCNTs-based thermoplastic composites.
Remember, the MWCNTs are thin and can be seen at the microscopic level. So, they blend well with other materials, such as thermoplastics. Mixing MWCNTs with thermoplastics results in a composite with numerous superior properties. Due to this, the use of MWCNTs-based thermoplastic composites is increasing. This article will highlight the key applications of these composites.
What are MWCNTs Based Thermoplastic Composites?
As I said, MWCNTs are micro materials (carbon tubes) consisting of carbon atoms. On the flip side, thermoplastics are polymers that soften & melt when heated. However, when they undergoes cooling, they hardens and becomes stronger. Remember, the thermoplastics alone have no strong properties or characteristics. Therefore, MWCNTs are added to enhance their properties.
When MWCNTs are mixed with thermoplastic, a composite is formed. We name it composite because this material is made by mixing two different materials, i.e., thermoplastic & MWCNTs. This MWCNTs-based thermoplastic composite has many valuable properties and offers many advantages. Those properties include:
- Lightweight
- Mechanical strength
- Thermal conductivity
- Electrical conductivity
- Durability and chemical resistance
The thermoplastic material alone does not have such properties. So, its usage is not very extensive in different fields. Conversely, thermoplastic materials combined with MWCNTs yield composite materials that exhibit excellent properties. This MWCNTs-based thermoplastic composite is 100 times stronger and more durable than steel material.
Interestingly, MWCNTs are available in different lengths and sizes. You can mix them with thermoplastic and help create composites in large quantities. Many industries use this composite, which is overall conventional, i.e., steel. The reason is that it is lightweight, inexpensive, and offers unmatched durability.
The addition of MWCNTs to thermoplastics enhances their stability and heat resistance. When the compost undergoes heating, the carbon tubes in it disperse the heat evenly. So heat does not remain confined to a specific spot and melt. The thermoplastic, which is generally prone to quick melting, become extremely stable. Therefore, it is used in applications where thermal stability is needed.
How Are MWCNTs Added into Thermoplastics?
There are three different methods for adding MWCNTs to thermoplastics. Remember, the MWCNTs are very tiny in size. They’re many times thinner than human hair. So, the multiple carbon tubes in MWCNTs remain stuck inside each other. Therefore, vigorous stirring is required to properly disperse MWCNTs within the thermoplastic.
Here is the method for adding MWCNTs into thermoplastics:
- First, the thermoplastic undergoes heating. As a result, it melts and becomes a molten liquid.
- Now, the MWCNTs are added to these molten plastics. The liquid is then stirred continuously to ensure that the MWCNTs are perfectly mixed with the thermoplastics.
- Once the MWCNTs are mixed and blended, you can then cool the liquid. As a result of cooling, molten plastic solidifies and becomes a solid. This will be MWCNTs-based composite thermoplastic and can be used in heavy-duty applications.
There is another method for mixing MWCNTs into plastics.
- In this method, both plastics and MWCNTs are added in separate solvents.
- Both materials are mixed through consistent stirring. It will blend both materials.
- After that, the solution is heated. As a result, the solvent evaporates, leaving a mixture of thermoplastic and MWCNTs.
This method is generally used at more minor scales. On a large scale, the in-situ polymerization method is used. Here is how this method works:
- First, the raw plastic in the form of monomers is taken.
- MWCNTs are mixed in this raw plastic, which is in liquid form.
- Their solution undergoes heating, which ignites a chemical reaction. As a result, the liquid minerals combine to form plastics. MWCNTs remain inside the plastics and get mixed into them.
What are the Applications of MWCNTs Thermoplastic Composites?
There is no doubt that MWCNTs-based thermoplastic composite is very durable. This material is used in a wide range of industries. In the section below, we will discuss some key applications of these composites in various industries:
1- Automotive Industry
In the automotive industry, manufacturers often prefer using lightweight materials to make parts. The reason is that lightweight parts reduce the weight of vehicles. When the weight is less, the car consumes less fuel. This fuel efficiency increases the value of the vehicles. Many manufacturers use MWCNTs based thermoplastic material to make the following parts:
- Fan shrouds
- Engine covers
- Radiator tanks
- Battery housings.
Interestingly, MWCNT-reinforced thermoplastics are also used in the electronic components of vehicles. As you are aware, this material exhibits excellent electrical conductivity. It is used to make charging ports, connectors, cable housings, sensor modules, and other components. Remember, the incredible strength of this material is another plus that makes the vehicle reliable in the long run.
2- Aerospace Industry
As I mentioned earlier, MWCNT-based thermoplastic materials offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios. It means that it has higher strength as compared to its respective weight. These properties make it a suitable option for aerospace industries. Manufacturers produce various aircraft components using this material. It’s lightweight, helping to reduce the weight of aircraft while maintaining the strength of the parts.
Such aircraft consume less fuel due to their lower weight. Moreover, it also helps the aerodynamics of aircraft. At higher altitudes, the aircraft faces pressure changes, vibrations, and heat. MWCNT-based thermoplastic materials are excellent in withstanding these conditions. Several aircraft parts use these materials. These include electronic enclosures, sensor housings, and other similar components.
3- Electronics and Electrical Devices
The thermoplastics are insulators and don’t allow electricity to pass through. Right? So they cannot be used in electronics or any other device which needs electrical conductivity. However, the MWCNTs have electrical conductivity. When mixed with thermoplastic, it imparts electrical conductivity to the thermoplastics.
As a result, it can conduct electricity and can be used in electronics. MWCNT-filled thermoplastics are widely used in various electronic applications. Those include smartphones, laptops, and tablet printed circuit board (PCB) components. Moreover, this material has thermal conductivity, which supports its usage in modern electronics.
4- Medical Devices and Healthcare
The medical industry is very sensitive and requires extra care when selecting materials for medical tools. The material used for making surgical tools and other medical devices must be safe. MWCNTs-based composite material is chemical resistant and has some antibacterial properties. Therefore, it is safe for use in the manufacture of surgical instruments.
Some popular parts made with MWCNTs Based Thermoplastic Composite are as follows:
- Implants
- Prosthetic limbs
- Orthopedic supports
- Drug delivery devices
Additionally, this composite material is very lightweight. Tools made from these materials can be easily carried from one location to another. Moreover, the sterilization of these surgical and other tools is also very easy due to their lightweight.
5- Industrial Machinery and Tools
As I said earlier, MWCNT-based thermoplastic composites are very durable. Their mechanical strength is something that makes them superior. So, these materials are excellent options for making industrial machinery and tools. As you are aware, machining tools undergo extreme stress during their operation.
So, this material makes those tools very durable and can withstand extreme stress. Modern machinery comes with an automaton feature that needs strong electronic parts. The MWCNT-based thermoplastic composite is electrically conductive and used in these machines. Moreover, the lightweight of this material ensures the machining tools are easy to use.
6- Energy Storage
MWCNT-based thermoplastic composite is widely used in the energy sector. Many battery cases, battery parts, and fuel cells are made through this material. Remember, this composite material has optimal electrical and thermal conductivity. So, they carry electricity better and handle heat well when used in energy storage sectors.
Moreover, manufacturers always put their best efforts to make energy devices lightweight. Such devices are easy to carry and transfer from one location to another. The MWCNT-based thermoplastic composite material is very lightweight and has excellent mechanical strength. So, manufacturers use this material to make modern devices.
7- Packaging Industry
MWCNT-based thermoplastic composite material is both antistatic and UV-resistant. So, it is widely used in the packaging industry. Many devices are susceptible to environmental conditions. They need proper packaging during their shipping or transportation. Manufacturers use this composite material to create packaging for their products.
Manufacturers make frames and boxes that hold computerized parts in machines. These frames are durable, antistatic, and keep the machines safe. Above all, this composite material is reusable, which is a significant advantage for the manufacturers. They can continue to use them to make covers and boxes repeatedly. This saves them bucks and helps them use high-quality packaging.
Conclusion
Remember, thermoplastic material is ordinary material with no prominent mechanical strength. It’s in an insulator with compromised durability and has minimal usage. However, when MWCNTs are mixed with it, a thermoplastic composite material is formed.
This composite has many favorable properties that manufacturers love. Those include better strength, durability, electrical conductivity, and chemical resistance. This MWCNTs-based thermoplastic material is widely used in various industries. In this article, I’ve explained seven key sectors that heavily utilize MWCNTs-based composites.
