No abstract

A novel approach to chemically functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for making superior polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposites with polyfluorene polymer is presented. In this approach, MWCNTs are non-covalently functionalized with poly(9,9-dioctyfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO) through π-π stacking as confirmed by UV-vis, fluorescence, and Raman spectra. Atomic force microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy shows the PFO coated MWCNTs, which provides excellent dispersion of the latter in both solvent and PEI matrix. The strong interaction of PFO with PEI chains, as evidenced from fluorescence spectra, supports the good adhesion of dispersed MWCNTs to PEI leading to stronger interfacial interactions. As a result, the addition of as little as 0.25 wt % of modified MWCNTs to PEI matrix can strongly improve the mechanical properties of the composite (increase of 46% in storage modulus). Increasing the amount of MWCNTs to 2.0 wt % (0.5 wt % PFO loading) affords a great increase of 119% in storage modulus. Furthermore, a sharp decrease of 12 orders of magnitude in volume resistivity of PEI composite is obtained with only 0.5 wt % of PFO modified MWCNT.

Polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposites comprising bucky gels of industrial-grade multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and ionic liquid (IL, 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF6])) were prepared. The processing framework for this nanocomposite is simple, reproducible, and easily scalable. The strong interaction between IL and MWCNTs caused the latter to uniformly disperse in the PEI matrix while IL flowed into the gaps between the nanotubes' walls. The nanocomposite exhibited an enhanced conductivity of 2.01 × 10(4) Ω·cm volume resistivity at room temperature; the value decreased dramatically by 12 orders of magnitude, compared to pristine PEI. The IL free ions and MWCNTs networks provided excellent channels for electron transfer. PEI/bucky gels nanocomposites also showed improved thermal stability and high tensile strength. Other than having antiwear properties, this material can have numerous applications in the aerospace and electronics industries. Moreover, our work presents a "green" method toward modified nanocomposites industrial production as IL is environmentally safe and is easily recyclable.

Polyetherimide (PEI) is a widely applied as engineering plastic in the electronics, aerospace, and automotive industries but the disadvantages of extremely low conductivity, atmospheric moisture absorption, and poor fluidity at high temperature limits its application. Herein, commercial multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were modified with a long alkyl chain molecule, octadecylamine (ODA), to produce a uniform dispersion in commercial PEI matrices. Both covalent and noncovalent modification of MWCNTs with ODA, were prepared and compared. Modified MWCNTs were incorporated in PEI matrices to fabricate nanocomposite membranes by a simple casting method. Investigating mechanical properties, thermal stability, and conductivity of the polyetherimide (PEI)/MWCNT composites showed a unique combination of properties, such as high electrical conductivity, high mechanical properties, and high thermal stability at a low content of 1.0 wt % loading of ODA modified MWCNTs. Moreover, electrical resistivity decreased around 10 orders of magnitude with only 0.5 wt % of modified MWCNTs.

Compared to 1D structures, 2D structures have higher specific and active surface, which drastically improves electron transfer and extensibility along 2D plane. Herein, 2D‐single crystal silver microflakes (AgMFs) are prepared for the first time in situ on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) by solvothermal synthesis with thickness around 100 nm and length around 10 μm. The oriented attachment mechanism is hypothesized to control the silver crystal growth and self‐assembly of reduced silver units to form single‐crystal AgMF structure on RGO sheets. Employing it as an electrode to fabricate reliable and extremely sensitive pressure sensors verifies the applicability of this novel 2D structure. Contrary to nanowires, 2D microflakes can intercalate better within the polymer matrix to provide an enhanced network for electron movement. The designed sensor can retain more than 4.7 MPa−1 after 10 000 cycles. The design proves functional for monitoring various actions such as wrist movement, squatting, walking, and delicate finger touch with high durability.