Comparison of polyimide/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposites by in situ polymerization and blending

Abstract

In this research, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) was oxidized and then modified to form carboxylic groups (ACOOH) on the surface and the end of the tube. After that, the MWNT was added to polyimide matrix to enhance its mechanical and electrical properties by in situ polymerization and blending. The PI/ MWNT composites were obtained by spin coating and multistep thermal curing process. The comparison of in situ polymerization and blending as well as the effect of unmodified and modified MWNT were discussed in this study. The results indicate that in situ polymerization is able to make a perfect dispersion by adding modified MWNT into polyimide matrix. Thermal and mechanical properties of the composites can be improved by hydrogen bonding interaction between the modified MWNT and polyimide matrix. Electrical resistance of the composites can be decreased to meet the criterion of electrostatic charge (ESC) mitigation as the surface resistance is reduced into the range of 10 6 -10 10 X/cm 2 by adding modified MWNT.

Aromatic Polyimide/MWCNT Hybrid Nanocomposites: Structure, Dynamics, and Properties

“…[2,3] Recently, PI/MWCNT nanocomposites with different PI matrices and compositions have been fabricated and investigated by a number of authors. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Rather different impacts of MWCNTs on PI properties have been observed depending on nanofiller content and functionalization, as well as the type of PIs and processing conditions. Through controlled variation of process parameters, various degrees of nanotube dispersion and distribution have been achieved.…”

“…For instance, Shlea et al [12] and Wu et al [13] showed how the controlled morphology affected the nanocomposite properties, and the MWCNT dispersion and distribution could be changed by adjusting processing conditions. As a result, a substantial increase (e.g., from 324 • C to 342 • C) and some decrease or no change in glass transition temperature, T g , were observed for the differently prepared PI/MWCNT nanocomposites; the latter negative effect was attributed to the presence of MWCNT agglomerates.…”

Microwave‐assisted synthesis of nanocomposites from polyimides chemically cross‐linked with functionalized carbon nanotubes for aerospace applications

“…Carbon nanotubes have attracted much attention worldwide, because they have superior physical and chemical properties that are suitable for applications in hydrogen storage, chemical sensor, actuators, conductive tapes, tissue engineering, biomedical devices, and as nano‐reinforcement for composites . Carbon nanotubes–reinforced polymer nanocomposites are emerging as a new chemical technology in the processing of materials.…”

Thermal conductivity and morphology of silver‐filled multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyimide nanocomposite films

“…Polyimides (PIs) with good chemical resistance, superior thermal stability, and high mechanical strength are widely applied in electronic and aerospace industry 14–17. With the addition of single‐walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs or MWNTs) in the PI matrix, the nanocomposites will have improved thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and dielectric constant for advanced applications 4, 6–8, 15–26. Recently, Zhang et al8 reported an enhanced thermal conductivity of PI nanocomposite to 0.4 W/mK by incorporation of 5 wt % AlO(OH)‐coated MWNTs in PI matrix compared to 0.17 W/mK for pure PI.…”