Abstract
The usage of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as reinforcement has been limited due to difficulties associated with dispersion of MWCNTs during the processing and poor adhesion between MWCNTs and matrix. In this paper, the effect of chemical functionalization with strong acid on the dispersion of MWCNTs were studied. The functionalization of MWCNTs were performed in chemical solution of sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) with ratio of 3:1 and prepared at 80°C for 4 hours. The pristine MWCNTs (PMWCNTs) and acid treated MWCNTs (AMWCNTs) were analyzed using TEM, XRD, FTIR and Pycnometer density. The effect of dispersion of PMWCNTs and AMWCNTs was studied in three different matrices which are in aqueous media (distilled water), metal matrix and polymer matrix. The XRD results determined that the impurities in pristine MWCNTs such as NiZn3 have been removed after the purification process. The presence of carboxylic acid (-COOH) and hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups were determined using FT-IR. Based on the dispersion analysis in aqueous media, PMWCNTs were poor in suspension stability. While, the TEM images showed less agglomeration of the AMWCNTs compared to PMWCNTs and obtained a uniform dispersion in metal matrix (Cu) and polymer (epoxy) matrix composites.
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