Preparation and Characterization of Polyvinylpyrrolidone/ Magnetite Decorated Carboxylic Acid Functionalized Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube (PVP/MWCNT-Fe3O4) Nanocomposite

Abstract

Magnetite decorated carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT-Fe3O4) was successfully inserted in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix in the aqueous media, as a result of which magnetic polymer nanocomposite (PVP/MWCNT-Fe3O4) was formed. With application of SEM, the surface morphology of the produced PVP/MWCNT-Fe3O4 nanocomposite was compared with that of pure PVP. The diameter distribution of Fe3O4 decorated carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube was determined by image analysis of the SEM micrographs. In addition, the structural and thermal characterizations of PVP/MWCNT-Fe3O4 nanocomposite were performed by FT-IR, XRD, TGA, and DSC techniques. Moreover, magnetic characterization of the prepared nanocomposite was determined by VSM. The obtained results indicated that addition of MWCNT-Fe3O4 (5% w/w) to PVP improved the thermal properties of pure polyvinylpyrrolidone. According to the results of DSC analysis, the glass transition temperature of 160 °C was observed for the PVP/MWCNT-Fe3O4 (5% w/w) nanocomposite. The FT-IR spectra showed that an interaction was taking place between MWCNT-Fe3O4 and PVP. The strong interaction with ~31 cm−1 red shift along with good complexation of carbonyl functional group of PVP with MWCNT-Fe3O4 was observed for PVP/MWCNT-Fe3O4 (5% w/w) nanocomposite as a result of a better distribution of carbon nanotubes in the PVP matrix.