Aligned carbon nanotube-polystyrene composites prepared by in situ polymerisation of stacked layers

Abstract

In situ polymerisation provides a route to polystyrene (PS) matrix composites reinforced with aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). As shown, fully densified composites can be prepared; by varying the number of layers of aligned MWNT arrays, desired thickness of the composite can be manufactured. These aligned composites have characteristic anisotropic electrical and thermal properties.