Process influence on the moisture absorption in a polymer nanocomposite

A polymer nanocomposite (P-NC) has been manufactured using different processes based on ultrasonication (US) and particles surface treatment. The moisture absorption was detected with different characterization method such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, isothermal thermogravimetric analysis and electrical characterizations. The use of particle surface treatment allows decreasing O-H absorption into P-NC. Moreover, an efficient US process has been found to improve the P-NC hydrophobicity. The desorption kinetics of moisture has also been studied for different P-NC preparation processes, using isothermal characterizations at 150°C. By controlling the chemical surface state of the nanofillers and the dispersion, it was observed a good stability of the conduction current density, in the same order of that of the base polymer.