Influence of Filler Geometry on Melt Strength of Poly(lactid acid) Composites with Different Electrically Conductive Fillers

Polymer materials manufactured of natural resources have been characterized. Polylactid acid (PLA) was used as a matrix for composites filled with carbonaceous fillers of different geometry (carbon black and carbon nanofibres). Polymer strands made of electrically conductive PLA composites have a promising potential as materials for fabrication of sensors sensitive to strain, temperature or organic solvents. For better understanding of the correlation between processing parameters of PLA composites and their sensing ability the melt characteristics have been evaluated using a capillary rheometer and Rheotens melt strength tester. Strain sensing was monitored under three point bending by means of electrical conductivity measurements.