Design and Development of Nanoreinforced Thermoplastic Conductive Polymer Composites for Stimuli-Responsive Applications

Abstract

This doctoral thesis explores in depth the design, fabrication and performance evaluation of thermoplastic-based nanocomposites reinforced with conductive nanostructures. Specifically, it focuses on two thermoplastic matrices: poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ach chosen for their processability, chemical stability and potential recyclability. The matrices were dopes with different conductive particles, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and MXene nanoflakes. Since the proposed composites were mainly designed to act as stimuli-responsive materials, the thesis focused their applicability assessments on different human motion monitoring and biomedical applications