Production of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube and Graphene Doped Thermoplastic Polyurethane Fiber and Investigation of Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Nowadays nanofibers are used in many areas. Nanofibers produced by electrospinning are required to be porous, large surface area, lightweight and cost effective. In addition to being lightweight, nanofibers must also have sufficient strength to withstand the applied forces. In this study; 3 different fibers were produced. Undoped TPU fiber, 1% by weight of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) doped TPU fiber and 1% by weight of graphene doped TPU fiber were obtained seperatally by electrospin method. The morphological structures of the produced nanofibers were determined by SEM. Tensile test was performed to determine the mechanical strength of the nanofibers produced and compared with each other. Cardboard plate mouthpieces are attached to the beginning and end of the samples prepared in accordance with the standards thus the jaws can hold the samples. According the results; the maximum average tensile value of MWCNTs doped TPU nano fibers is 7.85 MPa. This value was found to be higher than pure and graphene doped TPU nano fibers. It has been concluded that MWCNTs additive has a strength increasing effect on TPU nano fibers.