Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the best candidates for reinforcing the next generation of high‐performance nanocomposites owing to their excellent mechanical properties. In this study, CNTs were dispersed in polymethymethacrylate (PMMA) gel to enhance its mechanical strength. CNTs/PMMA composite films were fabricated using direct mixing and sonication. FTIR was utilized to observe the chemical structure and functional groups of the material components. The morphological feature and phase structure were observed via scanning electron microscope. A nanoindenter system was also applied to investigate the mechanical properties of composite films by a conventional method. CNTs were chemically treated by immersing them in acidic solutions to ensure extensive dispersion in the surrounding matrix. Most of the CNTs were dispersed uniformly therein. The effective dispersion of CNTs improves the mechanical performance of the composite film, wheras the poor dispersion reduces the performance. The solvent, solubility and attractive intermolecular forces, such as hydrogen bonds and Van Der Waal forces affect the dispersion of the CNTs. The carbonyl group, which was found on thecomposite film, contributed to the formation of a covalent bond between PMMA and the CNTs. The mechanical interaction between CNTs and the polymer was very complex. It was also governed by the interface interaction. The mechanical properties of the composite films improved as the concentration of CNTs increased. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers

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In this study, porous silica (SiO2) film is reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which gets homogeneously dispersed in porous SiO 2 gel by ultrasonic stirring. The size of SiO2 molecules is the same as that of nanotubes, so a fine CNTs/SiO2 network is formed. Nanoindenters used to test the mechanical properties of the resulting specimens show a marked enhancement in the properties as a function of filler content. Interfacial bonding and the distribution of CNTs also strongly affected the mechanical performance. Although a high concentration of CNTs improves the mechanical characteristics of the matrix, it also causes agglomeration such that the mechanical performance at the surface was disproportionate. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicates that there is little chemical reaction occurring between CNTs and SiO2. The results suggest that CNTs are ineffective reinforcements.