Advancements in carbon nanotube-polymer composites: Enhancing properties and applications through advanced manufacturing techniques

Abstract

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-polymer composites exhibit significant advancements in mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, enabling numerous promising applications. This review delves into recent research on manufacturing methods, filament extrusion, additive manufacturing (AM), properties, and applications of CNT polymer composites. Factors like processing conditions, polymer types, and CNT concentrations determine the ultimate properties of the composite material. The dispersion of CNT within various manufacturing techniques, such as melt mixing, solution mixing, and in-situ polymerization, significantly impacts the properties of the composite material. These composite materials are extensively used in AM, particularly in 3D printing, where filament blends are extruded and printed to custom-shaped objects. The finding underscores the effect of CNT content on the properties of CNT-polymer composite material in different applications. However, gaps remain in optimizing manufacturing processes and AM techniques, essential for tailoring these composites to specific application needs. Future research should focus on developing cost-effective and scalable manufacturing methods to unlock the full potential of CNT-polymer composites in various industries.

Keywords

• Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
• Polymer composites
• Filament extrusion
• Additive manufacturing (AM)