Impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of guar gum hydrogel

Abstract

This research investigates the transformative impact of incorporating unmodified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (um-MWCNTs) on properties of guar gum (GG)-based hydrogel. The study focuses on the enhancement of thermal stability, mechanical strength, and electrical properties of hydrogel composite. Thermal analysis reveals a significant increase in residual weight remaining at 430°C from 3% to 10% with the addition of 0.2 wt% um-MWCNTs to GG hydrogel. Viscoelastic properties of hydrogel composite investigated by rheology analysis observed that enhancements in storage modulus from 0.2 to 2.2 MPa indicative of enhanced structural integrity. Moreover, electrical conductivity exhibits a substantial increase with the addition of nanotubes, indicating the potential applicability of the composite in electronic and sensing applications. This research showcases the potential of GG/um-MWCNT composites for diverse applications in biomedicine, sensors, and advanced materials. Highlights: Distribution of um-MWCNTs into guar-gum matrix to obtain maximum benefits. Inclusion of um-MWCNTs improves the rheological properties of GG/um-MWCNTs composites. Rheological properties can be tuned with um-MWCNT content. MWCNTs improved thermal stability of the GG hydrogel. MWCNTs improved electrical conductivity of the GG hydrogel. © 2024 Society of Plastics Engineers.