Latex-Based Polystyrene Nanocomposites with Non-Covalently Modified Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

We prepared electrically conductive polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites by incorporating non-covalently surface-modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with hydrophilic polymers such as polydopamine (PDA) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Further, ethylene glycol (EG) was introduced as a second dopant to improve the electrical properties of the nanocomposites prepared with PEDOT:PSS-wrapped CNTs. All conductive PS nanocomposites were prepared through latex-based process, and the morphology and properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The electrical properties of the nanocomposites with PEDOT:PSS-wrapped CNTs were better than those of the nanocomposites with PDA-coated CNTs owing to the conducting nature of PEDOT:PSS, although the dispersions of both types of modified CNTs in the PS matrix were excellent, as evidenced by morphology and rheology. In the case of PEDOT:PSS modification, the electrical properties of the nanocomposites with EG-doped PEDOT:PSS-wrapped CNTs were superior to those of the nanocomposites without EG treatment.

Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes in Polystyrene and Properties of Their Composites: A Review

“…Introducing conductive polymers into CNTs/PS enhances their electrical conductivity. Song et al [ 163 ] first prepared two types of non-covalently surface-functionalized CNTs, namely polydopamine (PDA)-modified CNTs (as shown in Figure 6 a) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)-modified CNTs (as shown in Figure 6 b), and then successfully prepared PS composite materials with uniformly distributed CNTs through emulsion methods. The electrical conductivity of these materials was studied, and the results showed that introducing PEDOT:PSS-modified CNTs into PS improved the electrical conductivity.…”

“… ( a ) Schematic diagram of PDA and ( b ) PEDOT:PSS-modified CNTs. Reproduced with permission [ 163 ]. Copyright 2021, MDPI.…”

Recent Advances in Ionic Liquids and Ionic Liquid-Functionalized Graphene: Catalytic Application and Environmental Remediation

“…The carboxyl groups on GO and graphene can become negatively charged under certain conditions and thus can interact with positive ion modifiers for the modification of graphene or the preparation of graphene/polymer nanocomposites. Choi et al [ 38 ] obtained non-covalently modified graphene of polystyrene via electrostatic interaction between the amine group and the residual carboxyl group on the surface of graphene. Graphene can be easily dispersed in hydrophilic imidazolium ILs or pyridinium-based ILs by mechanical grinding to form a stable system when the concentration reaches 7.0 mg/mL in the absence of any surfactant treatment [ 39 ].…”

Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Properties of Highly Flexible Poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate)/PEDOT:PSS Films Fabricated by Latex Technology

“…PEDOT:PSS is an electrically conductive polymer [ 12 ], and due to its unique properties, it exhibits excellent conductivity, thermal stability, and good water dispersibility when used as a filler [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Taking advantage of these various advantages, it is widely used as a commercially available conductive polymer and has recently been used to develop EMI shielding materials [ 18 , 19 ].…”