Application of Raman spectroscopy in carbon nanotube-based polymer composites

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy has been widely used to identify the physical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and to assess their functionalization as well as orientation. Recently, Raman spectroscopy has become a powerful tool to characterize the interfacial properties between CNTs and polymer matrices. This review provides an overview of micro-Raman spectroscopy of CNTs and its application in studying CNT reinforced polymer composites. Based on the specific Raman band shifts relating to the mechanical deformation of CNTs, Raman scattering can be used to evaluate the interactions between the CNTs and the surrounding polymer in the composites, and to detect the phase transitions of the polymer, and investigate the local stress state as well as the Young's modulus of the CNTs. Moreover, we also review the current progress of Raman spectroscopy in various CNT macroarchitectures (such as films, fibers as well as composite fibers). The microscale structural deformation of CNT macroarchitectures and strain transfer factors from macroscale architectures to microscale structures are inferred. Based on an in situ Raman-tensile test, we further predict the Young's modulus of the CNT macroarchitectures and reveal the dominating factors affecting the mechanical performances of the CNT macroarchitectures. Raman spectroscopy, carbon nanotube, composites, CNT macroarchitecture Citation:Gao Y, Li L Y, Tan P H, et al. Application of Raman spectroscopy in carbon nanotube-based polymer composites.

Sample maturation calculated using Raman spectroscopic parameters for solid organics: Methodology and geological applications

“…By referring to Yang and Wu [2] as well as Gao et al [3], it can be found that Raman spectra of carbon nanotubes consist of four types of Raman peaks: Raman shift at ca. 160-300 cm 1 refers to respiratory vibration mode, mainly reflecting symmetric vibration of carbon atoms in nanotubes; Raman shift at ca.…”

“…For example, Schopf and Kudryavtsev [8], Schopf et al [9], Schopf et al [10], and Schopf et al [11] measured extensively Raman spectra of carbonized microfossils in Precambrian strata, calculated the Raman index of preservation (RIP) that reflects the geological age and maturation of the microfossils, and divided the fossils into ten grades (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9). These results prove to be significant to study of structures and origin of microfossils, but not to maturation undergone by carbonized microbody, Figure 6 Raman spectra for macerals in black shale.…”

“…Recently, peak D and peak G in Raman scattering of carbon nanotubes and natural solid organics seem to reflect not only structures and performance of carbon nanotubes but also thermal evolution of carboniferous solid organics in geological samples, and temperature and pressure conditions for experimental samples, so attracting extensive attention from the academic communities in the world. For example, Ferrari and Robertson [1], Yang and Wu [2] and Gao et al [3] reported applications of Raman peaks of carbon in analysis and research of structures and performance of carbon nanotube materials; Hu and Wilkins [4] as well as Hu et al [5] reported applications of Raman spectra of solid organics as geothermometers, and found that Raman "GD" inter-peak interval is decreased while "G/D" peak height ratio is increased when carboniferous sedimentary and metamorphic rocks show Raman reflectance varying from 2.1% to 14%; Kelemen and Fang [6] as well as Zeng and Wu [7] reported the relationships between Raman inter-peak interval (D-G) and peak height ratio (D/G) of pyrolytic products of bitumite and kerogen and maturation of samples, or the temperature and pressure conditions for experimental samples. These authors concluded that Raman spectra for carbonized substances can be used to assess maturation of organics from catagenesis stage to metamorphic stage, but failed to produce detailed indices for such assessment; Schopf and Kudryavtsev [8], Schopf et al [9], Schopf et al [10], and Schopf et al [11] studied extensively the Raman peak D and peak G characteristics for carbonized microfossils in Precambrian strata, and based on Raman peak shift and peak intensity, calculated Raman index of preservation (RIP), geological age and maturation grade of microfossils in geological samples, and the results proves to be significant for study of origin and evolution of microfossils in Precambrian strata.…”

Near infrared photon-assisted polymerization of advanced polymer composites.

“…Raman spectroscopy has been used by many groups in the past to measure the strain in the nanoscale fillers such as CNTs and graphene [19,[161][162][163][164][165][166][167][168]. When a strain is applied, the change of the interatomic distance induces shift in the vibrational frequencies.…”

“…Slippage is expected due to the high level of strains used in these experiments and the viscoelastic nature of the polymer. It should be noted that the past reports on load transfer of nano-carbon composites using Raman spectroscopy has investigated only limited uniaxial tension and compression (20%) [19,[161][162][163][164][165][166][167][168]. Therefore, this is not a significant effect and load is still transferred in compression more than in tension.…”