Effect of Carbon Fiber Loading in Mechanical Properties and Electrical Conductivity of Polyvinyl Alcohol Based Composites

摘要

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) needs to be reinforced with other material to increase its mechanical strength and electrical conductivity to get wider applications. In this research effect of addition of carbon flber on the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of PVA based composites was observed. Concentrations of carbon flber applied were 0, 2, 4 and 6% w/w based on PVA dry weight. PVA fllm was synthesized by dilute solid PVA in water at temperature of 80 C for 6 hours with 8% w/w of water, and continued with chilling for 12 h. Carbon flber was added and stirred by ultra-turrax for 40 seconds, and the solution was fllm- casted. Characterization the composites include morphology analysis (optical microscope and SEM), crystallite size (X-ray diffraction), mechanical test and electrical conductivity measurement. The result showed that tensile strength increase with increased of carbon flber added. The optimal value of tensile strength (34.08 MPa) was obtained from 2% w/w of carbon flbers. Addition of 6% w/w of carbon flber increased electrical conductivity up to 1.33 x 10~(-3) S/cm, this was signiflcantly enhanced from that net PVA of 2.3 x 10~(-8)S/cm. Generally, addition of carbon flber increase tensile strength and electrical conductivity of PVA based composites.