Effects of carbon nanotubes on polymer physics

Abstract

A single carbon nanotube has many similarities with an individual polymer chain including the fact that the end-to-end length of both are often about the same and the diameter of the chain is about the same (for single-walled nanotubes) or only $10 to 20 times larger (for multiwalled nanotubes). The combination of the solid surface and the similarity of the two materials means that polymer physics are altered in manners not seen with any other type of commonly used filler. The purpose of this review is to update a chapter that appears in a recent tome by Grady (2011) and describe how polymer physics is altered in composites that contain carbon nanotubes. Subjects that will be discussed include chain configuration, glass transition, polymer diffusion, unit cells and crystalline superstructure (lamellae, spherulites and shishkebabs), and crystallization kinetics. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 50: 2012

Investigation of epoxy resin/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite behavior at low frequency

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Effect of multistage sonication on dispersive mixing of polymer nanocomposites characterized via shear‐induced crystallization behavior

“…A benefit of this technique is that molecular level interactions between the CNTs and the polymer matrix are obtained, which can lead to a better interface and hence better nanocomposite effective properties. In particular, this technique has been used in the case of thermosets and conducting polymers . Disadvantages of this method include the limited choices of monomer, solvent, and dispersing agents which can be used in this approach.…”

Comparison among Different Processing Conditions in Synthesis of Polypropylene/Carbon Nanotubes Composites Using Raman Spectroscopy

“…Polymer properties are remarkably improved by the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) when compared with virgin polymers [2] . Since their discovery by Iijima in 1991 [3] , CNTs have been used in many technological applications.…”