Abstract
Three kinds of polymer, polyimide without side-chain (PI), polyimide-graft-glyceryl 4-nonylphenyl ether (PI-GNE), and polyimide-graft-bisphenol A diglyceryl acrylate (PI-BDA), have been synthesized and used to disperse single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and to improve the interfacial bonding between SWNTs and cyanate ester (CE) matrix. Visual observation, UV-vis-near-IR (UV-vis-NIR) spectra, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images show that both PI-GNE and PI-BDA are highly effective at dispersing and debundling SWNTs in DMF, whereas PI is less effective. Interaction between SWNTs and PI, PI-GNE or PI-BDA was confirmed by computer simulation and Raman spectra. A series of CE-based composite films reinforced with different loadings of SWNTs, SWNTs/PI, SWNTs/PI-GNE and SWNTs/PI-BDA were prepared by solution casting. It was found that, because of the unique side-chain structure of PI-BDA, SWNTs/PI-BDA disperse better in CE matrix than do SWNTs/PI-GNE, SWNTs/PI, and SWNTs. As a result, SWNTs/PI-BDA/CE composites have the greatest improvement in mechanical properties of the materials tested. These results imply that the choice of side-chain on a dispersant is very important to the dispersion of SWNTs in matrix and the filler/matrix interfacial adhesion, which are two key requirements for achieving effective reinforcement.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
