Particle release from single-wall and multiwall carbon nanotubes in polystyrene-based composites during grinding

The aerosol particles released during the grinding of polystyrene (PS)-based composites with well- and poorly dispersed single-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and multiwall CNTs were measured using real-time aerosol measuring instruments. Increases in the concentration of aerosol particles were recorded during the grinding of the samples. However, similar increases were observed even when CNT-free polystyrene was ground. Electron microscopic analysis of the released particles revealed that particles with protruding CNTs were observed for the well-dispersed CNT-PS composites, but free-standing CNTs were not found. On the other hand, particles like agglomerated CNTs were found for the poorly dispersed CNT-PS composites.