Abstract
A novel class of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based nanomaterials has been surging since 1991 due to their noticeable mechanical and electrical properties, as well as their good electron transport properties. This is evidence that the development of CNT-reinforced polymer composites could contribute in expanding many areas of use, from energy-related devices to structural components. As a promising material with a wide range of applications, their poor solubility in aqueous and organic solvents has hindered the utilizations of CNTs. The current state of research in CNTs—both single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced polymer composites—was reviewed in the context of the presently employed covalent and non-covalent functionalization. As such, this overview intends to provide a critical assessment of a surging class of composite materials and unveil the successful development associated with CNT-incorporated polymer composites. The mechanisms related to the mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance of CNT-reinforced polymer composites is also discussed. It is vital to understand how the addition of CNTs in a polymer composite alters the microstructure at the micro- and nano-scale, as well as how these modifications influence overall structural behavior, not only in its as fabricated form but also its functionalization techniques. The technological superiority gained with CNT addition to polymer composites may be advantageous, but scientific values are here to be critically explored for reliable, sustainable, and structural reliability in different industrial needs.
Highlights
In 1991, the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by Sumio Iijima created a global scientific phenomenon in the field of nanotechnology [1]
The addition of CNTs to polymer composite structures with natural fiber has opened a new era of polymer composites for various structural applications
Different types of CNTs with specific and unique functional groups interact with hydroxyl groups in natural fiber cellulose chains, modifying the natural fiber surface
Summary
In 1991, the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by Sumio Iijima created a global scientific phenomenon in the field of nanotechnology [1]. CNTs have shown increasing interest as potential conductive fillers and reinforcements for polymeric composites Apart from their high electrical conductivity, CNTs have unique electronic and optical properties for the development of organo-electronic devices [7]. High conductivity can be achieved at a very low concentration of CNTs of between 0.0025 and 4 wt.%, owing to their high aspect ratio (L/D, where L is length of a CNT and D is diameter of a CNT) from hundreds to 1000 All these superiorities allow CNTs to have tremendous potential for nanotechnology fields, especially for use as composite fillers and reinforcements in order to enhance the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of resulting composite systems. The chemical modification of the side walls of the surfaces of CNTs is needed to improve their dispersion or solubility in solvents or polymers, as well as to improve their interaction and reactivity with polymers by hydrogen bonding interaction [34]
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