Growth of Carbon Nanotubes by Pyrolysis of Composite Film of Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) and Modified Fly Ash

Dilip C D Nath,Veena Sahajwalla

doi:10.4236/msa.2012.32019

Abstract

We found carbon nanotube (CNT) materials by the pyrolysis of the composite film of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) reinforced with modified fly ash (FA) at 500°C for 10 min under 2 L/min flow of nitrogen. Fly ash was treated with 2M sodium hydroxide and used with PVA to fabricate the composite film by aqua casting. CNT materials were analyzed using XPS, Raman, SEM and TEM. The admixtures of CNT materials and FA are a potential filler material for fabricating composites with polymer and metal. The process is an eco-friendly recycling paradigm for using value-added advanced products for the proper management of sustainable waste materials, plastic and FA.

Highlights

Carbon nanostructured materials were synthesized by pyrolysis of benzene at 1000 ̊C over Ni powder for 60 min [1]
We found carbon nanotube (CNT) materials by the pyrolysis of the composite film of poly (PVA) reinforced with modified fly ash (FA) at 500 ̊C for 10 min under 2 L/min flow of nitrogen
We have recently reported the dual functions of fly ash as filler and catalyst for the synthesis of CNT materials [9]

Summary

Introduction

Carbon nanostructured materials were synthesized by pyrolysis of benzene at 1000 ̊C over Ni powder for 60 min [1]. The catalyst particles were uniformly distributed on the surface and filled the hollow channel of CNTs. The CNT structures depended on the nature of the catalyst and carbon sources as well as the pyrolysis conditions [3]. FA is commonly processed by disposal as landfill in dams and lagoons. It typically consists of crystalline aluminosilicate, mullite and α-quartz (~96.5%) spherical particles between 1 μm ~ 100 μm in diameter, along with traces of metal oxides (~3.5%) (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, titanium), depending on the processing conndition and the chemical composition of the coal burned [5]

Methods

Results

Conclusion