Abstract
We present a study of the behavior of highly ordered, segregated single-wall carbon nanotube networks under applied strain. Polymer latex templates induce self-assembly of carbon nanotubes into hexagonal (2D) and honeycomb (3D) networks within the matrix. Using mechanical and spectroscopic analysis, we have studied the strain transfer mechanisms between the carbon nanotube network and the polymer matrix. Axial deformation of the nanotube network under applied strain is indicated by downshifts in the 2D mode in the Raman spectra, as well as variation in the Radial Breathing modes. The slippage within nanotube bundles at high strain is indicated by a reduction in the 2D mode rate of change. The fractional resistance change of the composites with strain obeys power law dependence. We present a model for the behavior of carbon nanotube bundles under strain informed by these measurements, and potential applications for such composite materials in elastic electronic devices that can tolerate high strain.
Highlights
We are living in an electronics age, in which the constantly evolving requirement for materials’ properties places enormous demands on research and development
MATERIALS Latex The emulsion polymerized latex (NeoResins, The Netherlands) used in this work was a random copolymer consisting of butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), methacrylic acid (MAA), and acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate (AAEM) with the molar ratio of 36.7:50.3:3:10, respectively
From our previous work on stretchable composites based on carbon nanotube (CNT) assembled in the interstitial sites of the polymer latex matrix, we learned that the electrical percolation threshold for a composite with a segregated microstructure is as low 0.12 wt.% (Jurewicz et al, 2010, 2011)
Summary
We are living in an electronics age, in which the constantly evolving requirement for materials’ properties places enormous demands on research and development. The drive for flexible electronics is a particular area undergoing rapid development, the exploitation of nanoparticle properties within elastic polymer matrices potentially allows for transparency, flexibility, and optimal electronic control. Applications such as flexible displays, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), photovoltaics (PVs), robust interconnects, and wearable electronics all demand the maintenance of conductivity while undergoing deformation over multiple cycles. Large filler fractions, which reduce transparency, are required for the best conductivities unless an organized network can be formed that makes use of the large CNT aspect ratio, thereby maintaining conductivity while reducing opacity (Ponnamma et al, 2014). The second approach is to use self-assembly of the CNT network within the polymer matrix. It has been shown recently that the use of a radial pattern can give improved results (Grilli et al, 2014); the self-assembly of CNTs to form a segregated network in two or three dimensions is still highly prized
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