A novel method for coating of carbon nanotube on cellulose fiber using 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid as a cross-linking agent

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were coated by the exhaustion method and stabilized on a cotton surface using 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) as a crosslinking agent and sodium hypophosphite (SHP) as a catalyst. The Influence of CNTs on the performance of the cellulose fiber was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), thermo-gravimetric analyzer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), zeta potential analyzer, reflectance spectroscope, wrinkle recovery tester and bacteriological culture tube. The possible interactions between CNTs, the cross-linking agent and cellulose functional groups at the surface were elucidated by FTIR spectroscopy. The results indicated that the stabilized CNTs modify the surface of the fibers and increase the thermal stability of the substrate. SEM showed a uniform coating of CNTs on the fiber surface.