Efficient surface modification of MWCNTs with vitamin B1 and production of poly(ester-imide)/MWCNTs nanocomposites containing L-phenylalanine moiety: Thermal and microscopic study

Abstract

Abstract.A simple and efficient method was presented for chemical functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with vitamin B 1 . Poly(ester-imide) (PEI) based nanocomposites were prepared by the incorporation of different amounts of modified MWCNTs (5, 10, 15 wt%) into a chiral and biodegradable PEI by solution blending and ultrasonic dispersion methods. The chiral PEI was produced by a step-growth polymerization of chiral diacid with 4,4!-thiobis(2-tertbutyl-5-methylphenol). Spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were used to examine the chemical structure, morphology and thermal stability of the functionalized MWCNTs and the obtained nanocomposites. The microstructure study revealed the homogeneous dispersion of modified MWCNTs throughout the PEI matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis results confirmed that the heat stability of the prepared composites was improved compared to the pure PEI.

Morphology and thermal properties of nanocomposites based on chiral poly(ester-imide) matrix reinforced by vitamin B1 functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

“…The washed Tm-MWCNTs were dried under vacuum before characterization. 22 Fabrication of the PEI/Tm-MWCNTs NCs PEI/Tm-MWCNTs NCs were synthesized by a solution mixing method using ultrasound energy with the following procedure: The different amount of Tm-MWCNTs (5, 10, 15 wt%) were dispersed in DMAc solvent and stirred for 1 day at 30-40 C. Thereafter, PEI was added into this solution and sonicated for 1 h. The obtained mixture was placed in Petri glasses and dried first at room temperature for 24 h, and then in vacuum at 100 C for 6 h to remove the remaining solvent.…”

“…The chemical functionalization of CNTs not only improves the dispersion and homogeneity of the CNTs in a polymer matrix, but can also enhance the compatibility and interfacial interaction between CNTs and polymer chains. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Poly(ester-imides) (PEIs) have found a wide range of applications due to their notable properties such as good mechanical properties, electrical insulation, high thermal stability, and facile processing. [24][25][26] They are used extensively in membranes, adhesives, printed circuit boards, engineering thermoplastics, and electronic devices.…”

Functionalization of polyesters with multiple B vitamins

“…Given the universal importance of B vitamins, a general method to attach multiple vitamins to polymers in a single step would be highly beneficial. Overall, covalent attachment of single vitamins, such as folic acid (B 9 ) and biotin (B 7 ), has received much more attention compared with thiamine (B 1 ), B 2 , B 6 , and B 6 precursors such as pyridoxal . In addition, composites with B 2 and B 5 have been electrospun into nanofibers, but covalent attachment of B 5 to polymers presents a new opportunity.…”