Neste trabalho são estudados os efeitos da adição de nanotubos de carbono de parede múltipla (NCPM) em uma matriz de Poli(L-ácido láctico) (PLLA). Foras avaliadas duas rotas distintas de dispersão dos NCPM, uma utilizando agitação mecânica em solvente e a outra utilizando sonificação de alta energia em solvente. As propriedades mecânicas destes nanocompósitos foram avaliadas utilizando nanoindentação e microdureza vickers. Através da calorimetria exploratória diferencial foram determinadas as propriedades térmicas dos nanocompósitos (Tg, Tc, Tm e cristalinidade) obtidas. Por último, as propriedades tribológicas foram determinadas através de ensaios de deslizamento do tipo pino sobre disco, onde foram utilizadas diferentes cargas normais. As propriedades mecânicas e térmicas não foram significativamente afetadas pela adição do nanotubos, o que não se repetiu nas propriedades tribológicas, onde tanto o método de dispersão quanto a concentração de NCPM afetaram as propriedades. A micrografia das trilhas de desgaste sugere ainda que o mecanismo atuante foi modificado com a incorporação dos nanotubos, o mesmo pode ter acontecido nas amostras sonificadas.

This work studied the effects of the addition of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) to a PLLA matrix. Two distinct methods of preparation were employed: a combination of a solvent/ mechanical stirring and a combination of a solvent/high energy sonication. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were determined by nanoindentation and by the Vickers hardness test. Thermal properties of the nanocomposites (Tg, Tc, Tm and crystallinity degree) were determined by DSC. The tribological properties of the nanocomposites were determined by using a pin-on-disc apparatus. Mechanical and thermal properties did not present significant alterations, although tribological properties presented significant changes caused by the method of preparation and different loads. SEM images indicated that the wear mechanism was changed by the addition of MWCNT.

In this study, the thermal, dynamic-mechanical and tribological behavior of nanocomposites of a photocurable epoxy-acrylate resin and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are investigated. A route consisting of a combination of sonication, mechanical and magnetic stirring is used to disperse 0.25-0.75 wt. (%) MWCNT into the resin. Two photocuring cycles using 12 hours and 24 hours of UV-A radiation are studied. The storage modulus, the loss modulus and the tan delta are obtained by dynamic mechanical analysis. Thermal stability is investigated by thermogravimetry, morphology by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and tribological performance using a pin-on-disk apparatus. The results indicate an increase in stiffness and higher ability to dissipate energy, as well as a shift in the glass transition temperature for the nanocomposites. The addition of nanofillers also decreased friction coefficient and wear rate of the nanocomposites but did not change the observed wear mechanisms.