Homogeneous Dispersion Of Nanotubes Research Articles

Improving thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of fluoroelastomer/amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube composites by constructing dual crosslinking networks

Carboxylic functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) were modified by using ethylenediamine (EDA) to prepare amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-A). MWCNTs-A were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fluoroelastomer (FKM) was reinforced by incorporation of MWCNTs-COOH and MWCNTs-A, respectively. The thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of the FKM/MWCNT composites were studied. The results indicated that a more homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes and a stronger interfacial interaction in FKM/MWCNTs-A composites were achieved than in FKM/MWCNTs-COOH ones. As a result, the thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of the FKM/MWCNTs-A composites were higher than that of the FKM/MWCNTs-COOH composites due to the participation of MWCNTs-A in the crosslinking process to form dual crosslinking networks in the FKM matrix.

Green Synthesis of Amino Acid Functionalized Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes/Poly(amide–imide) Based on N-Trimellitylimido-S-valine Nanocomposites by Sonochemical Technique

Herein, a functional S-valine amino-acid (valine) based poly(amide–imide) (PAI) was prepared in a green situation. Carbon nanotubes (NTs) were functionalized with valine to fabricate NT/PAI nanostructures composite (PNCs) by incorporating NTs into the PAI matrix. Homogeneous dispersion of NTs was achieved by the modified NTs and ultrasonication method. The influences of the functionalized NTs on the morphology, structure, and thermal of PNCs were characterized extensively by several techniques. The findings showed that the modified NTs caused a fine interaction with PAI chains and improvement dispersion of NTs in the matrix along with much enhanced thermal stability.

Fabrication and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotube–loaded interconnected porous nanocomposite scaffolds

ABSTRACTNovel nanocomposite porous scaffolds based on poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were manufactured by a compression-molding/polymer-leaching approach utilizing cryomilling for homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes and blending of polymers. Addition of MWCNTs to PCL and PCL/polyglycolide (PGA) blends resulted in significant changes to scaffold morphology compared to control samples despite persistent interconnected porosity. Several structures exhibiting rough and nanotextured surfaces were observed. Mean pore sizes were in the range of ∼3–5 µm. The nanocomposites presented good mechanical and water uptake properties. The results of this research provide significant insight into a strategy for producing nanocomposite scaffolds with interconnected porosity.

Improvement of interaction between pre-dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes and unsaturated polyester resin

Efforts are being given to the development of well-dispersed nanoparticle-reinforced polymer nanocomposites in order to tailor the material properties. In this perspective, well dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) was prepared using pre-dispersed MWCNTs in tetrahydrofuran solvent with ultrasonication method. Then the well-dispersed MWCNTs reinforced UPR nanocomposites were fabricated through solvent evaporation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicates a good interaction between matrix and MWCNTs. This along with homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in matrix has been confirmed by the field emission scanning electron microscopy. At low shear rate, the value of viscosity of UPR is 8,593 mPa s and that of pre-dispersed MWCNT–UPR suspension is 43,491 mPa s, showing implicitly a good dispersion of nanotubes. A notable improvement in the crystallinity of UPR from 14 to 21 % after MWCNTs inclusion was observed by X-ray diffractometry. The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, impact strength, and elongation-at-break, of nanocomposite were found to be increased to 22, 20, 28, and 87 %, respectively. The estimated melting enthalpy per gram for composites as analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry is higher than that of UPR. The onset temperature of thermal decomposition in the nanocomposites as monitored by thermogravimetric analysis is found higher than that of UPR. Correlations among MWCNTs dispersion, nucleation, fracture morphology, and various properties were measured and reported.

Surfactant-Assisted Dispersion of MWCNTs in Epoxy Resin Used in CFRP Strengthening Systems

The epoxy resin used as the bonding agent in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthening systems was modified by the infusion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Two types of surfactants, Triton X-100 and C12E8, were used to disperse the nanotubes in the epoxy resin employing ultrasonic mixing. Dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile tests were conducted to study the effect of the surfactant-assisted dispersion of nanotubes on the thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy composites. The morphology of the epoxy composites was interpreted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the effect of surfactant treatment on the structure of nanotubes was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). Based on the experimental results, the tensile strength and the storage modulus of the epoxy resin were increased by 32% and 26%, respectively, by the addition of MWCNTs. This was attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in the epoxy resin according to the SEM images. Another reason for the enhancement in the tensile properties was the reinforced nanotube/epoxy interaction as a result of the surfactant anchoring effect which was proved by FT-IR. A moderate improvement in the glass transition temperature (T g) was recorded for the composite fabricated using Triton X-100, which was due to the restricted molecular motions in the epoxy matrix. To characterize the temperature-dependent tensile behavior of the modified epoxy composites, tensile tests were conducted at elevated temperatures. It was revealed that the MWCNT modification using surfactant substantially improves the tensile performance of the epoxy adhesive at temperatures above the T g of the neat epoxy.

Influence of the Sonication Temperature on the Debundling Kinetics of Carbon Nanotubes in Propan-2-ol.

The effect of sonication temperature on the debundling of carbon nanotube (CNT) macro-bundles is reported and demonstrated by analysis with different particle sizing methods. The change of bundle size over time and after several comparatively gentle sonication cycles of suspensions at various temperatures is reported. A novel technique is presented that produces a more homogeneous nanotube dispersion by lowering the temperature during sonication. We produce evidence that temperature influences the suspension stability, and that low temperatures are preferable to obtain better dispersion without increasing damage to the CNT walls.

Carbon nanotube/epoxy resin composite: Correlation between state of nanotube dispersion and Zener tunneling parameters

Carbon nanotube/epoxy resin composites with different levels of nanotube dispersion in the polymer matrix were prepared. The effects of nanotube dispersion on tunneling conductive behavior of such composites were investigated. The composites with homogeneous nanotube dispersion were found to exhibit larger static electrical conductivity and smaller percolation threshold than those with poorer nanotube dispersion. In addition, uniformly dispersed nanotubes induced strong Zener effect under the application of an electric field. The static conductivity and Zener tunneling parameters were shown to be good indicators for the state of nanotube dispersion.

Study of nanoreinforced shape memory polymers processed by casting and extrusion

AbstractMulti‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) reinforced shape memory polyurethane (PU) composite fibers and films have been fabricated via extrusion and casting methods. Cellulose nanofibers were obtained through acid hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose. This treatment aided in achieving stable suspensions of cellulose crystals in dimethylformamide (DMF), for subsequent incorporation into the shape memory matrix. CNTs were covalent functionalized with carboxyl groups (CNT‐COOH) and 4,4′‐methylenebis (phenylisocyanate) (MDI) (CNT‐MDI) to improve the dispersion efficiency between the CNT and the polyurethane. Significant improvement in tensile modulus and strength were achieved by incorporating both fillers up to 1 wt% without sacrificing the elongation at break. Electron microscopy was used to investigate the degree of dispersion and fracture surfaces of the composite fibers and films. The effects of the filler (type and concentration) on the degree of crystallinity and thermal properties of the hard and soft segments that form the PU sample were studied by calorimetry. Overall, results indicated that the homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes and cellulose throughout the PU matrix and the strong interfacial adhesion between nanotubes and/or cellulose and the matrix are responsible for the enhancement of mechanical and shape memory properties of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers

Dissolution of MWCNTs by using polyoxadiazoles, and highly effective reinforcement of their composite films

AbstractNonmodified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/sulfonated polyoxadiazole (sPOD) nanocomposites are successfully prepared by a facile solution route. The pristine MWCNTs are dispersed in a sPOD solution, and the mixtures are fabricated into thin films by solution casting. The homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in the composites is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity are investigated. Tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile energy to break are shown to increase by more than 28, 45, and 73%, respectively, by incorporating up to 1.0 wt % pristine MWCNTs. The experimental values for sPOD/MWCNTs composite stiffness are compared with Halpin‐Tsai and modified Halpin‐Tsai predictions. The storage modulus is found to increase up to 10% at low CNT loading. The composite films, which have an outstanding thermal stability, show an increase of up to 57 °C in the initial degradation temperature. The addition of 1.0 wt % MWCNTs increases the electrical conductivity of the sPOD matrix by two orders of magnitude. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010

Poly(3-hexylthiophene): Functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes: (6,6)-phenyl-C 61-butyric acid methyl ester composites for photovoltaic cell at ambient condition

We report the synthesis and characterization of nonhygroscopic composites of poly(3-hexylthiophene):functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes:(6,6)-phenyl-C 61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:FSWCNT:PCBM) for photovoltaic applications. The composite films have been characterized for their structural, electronic, photo-physical and photovoltaic properties. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) investigation suggests that the nanotubes can induce structural changes in P3HT matrix. The homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in P3HT and its self-arranged matrix in P3HT:PCBM are evident from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrum indicates the betterment of P3HT chain stacking by addition of nanotubes, which is further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to determine the bulk microstructure of the polymer composite. The photovoltaic cells have been fabricated using the aforementioned photoactive composite and tested at ambient conditions. The comparison of the current density–voltage ( J– V) characteristics of photovoltaic cells in light and dark conditions, with and without modified nanotubes, shows that the latter gives better photovoltaic properties. A photovoltaic cell using modified nanotubes exhibit a photo-conversion efficiency of ∼1.8%. The addition of FSWCNT in P3HT:PCBM composite enhances the conjugation length of P3HT:FSWCNT:PCBM composite, which in turn enhances its absorption capacity of solar energy radiation.

Mechanical strength improvement of polypropylene threads modified by PVA/CNT composite coatings

Poly (vinyl alcohol)/carbon nanotube (PVA/CNT) composite was coated on the surface of polypropylene thread for toughness enhancement. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were treated in acid and alkali to get water-soluble nanotubes, and then embedded into poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix, resulting in polymer–carbon composite with homogeneous nanotube dispersion. The stress–strain measurements show that the tensile strength and toughness of the PVA/CNT coated thread increased by 117% and 560%, respectively. These results are supportive of good interfacial bonding between the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polymer matrix.

Mechanical and morphological characterization of polymer–carbon nanocomposites from functionalized carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes were functionalized with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The water-soluble PVA–functionalized carbon nanotubes were then embedded into PVA matrix via a wet-casting method, resulting in polymer–carbon nanocomposite films with homogeneous nanotube dispersion. Composites with pristine and functionalized nanotubes were tested in tension. It was found that the mechanical properties of these nanocomposite films were significantly improved compared to the neat polymer film. Functionalization allowed good distribution of the nanotubes in the matrix, leading to higher film strength. Scanning electron microscopy shows an apparent good wetting of the nanotubes by the PVA matrix. These results are supportive of good interfacial bonding between the functionalized carbon nanotubes and the hosting polymer matrix.