Improvement on Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes in Polymer Matrix by Using the Solvent with a Low Boiling Point

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes attract a great deal of attention recently due to their excellent performance. The dispersion state of CNTs embedded in the matrix is the primary and key issue to realize the potential of the nanocomposite. Here, this paper considers how the boiling point of solvent affects the performance of the nanocomposite when the ultrasonication dispersion method is employed. It is found that solvent with a low boiling point is conducive to save evaporation time so that CNTs can maintain the homogenous dispersion state as much as possible after ultrasonication. Therefore, the stretchability and tensile strength can be improved, while the electrical conductivity has an obvious enhancement as well.