Microinjection molding of polyoxymethylene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composites with different matrix viscosities

Abstract This study features the effect of matrix viscosity on the properties of carbon nanotubes reinforced polyoxymethylene (POM/CNT) microparts, which were obtained via melt blending and subsequent microinjection molding (μIM) processes, under a defined set of processing conditions. Results of compression molding and μIM were compared to assess the influence of processing methods (i.e., thermomechanical history) on the electrical and thermal conductivities, melting and crystallization behavior as well as the thermal degradation resistance of POM/CNT composites. Filler orientation in POM/CNT microparts was evaluated using Raman spectral analysis. The electrical conductivity measurements revealed that matrix viscosity plays a significant role in determining the distribution of CNT. Also, the extreme shearing conditions that prevail in μIM are unfavorable for the construction of random conductive pathways within the micromoldings, as corroborated by transmission electron microscopy. Although the thermal degradation resistance of both POM/CNT composites and corresponding microparts deteriorated with increasing filler concentration, samples prepared with higher matrix viscosity showed higher thermal stability when compared with lower matrix viscosity counterparts. This study provides valuable insights into fabricating multifunctional microparts for potential industrial applications in replacement of metallic components for precision electronic instruments.