Modifying the poly ether ester antistatic agent by carbon nanotubes, the antistatic effect on polypropylene fibers

A new antistatic fiber is investigated using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance the antistatic ability of polymer fibers based on the mechanism of the discharging process of polarity macromolecule. Composite antistatic agent (CAA), prepared by dispersing CNTs in an organic antistatic agent carrier containing metallic ions in their main chains, is cospun with polypropylene (PP) to prepare CAA/PP fibers. It is indicated through analyzing the measured dynamic tribo-electrostatic voltages that CNTs can promote the discharging process of polarity macromolecule of antistatic agent carrier and further improve the antistatic ability of PP fibers. It is also indicated that the antistatic effect promoted by CNTs is better than that by conductive carbon black. Moreover, the antistatic effects of the CNTs treated by different methods are also compared.