Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composites

Abstract

The unique geometry and extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal conductivity properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) make them ideal candidates as functional fillers for polymeric materials. In this paper we review the advances in both thermoset and thermoplastic CNT composites. The various processing methods used in polymer/CNT composite preparation; solution mixing, in-situ polymerization, electrospinning, and melt blending, are discussed. The role of surface functionalization, including ‘grafting to’ and ‘grafting from’ using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), radical addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT), and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) in aiding dispersion of CNTs in polymers and interfacial stress transfer is highlighted. In addition the effect of CNT type, loading, functionality and alignment on electrical and rheological percolation is summarized. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of both Raman spectroscopy and oscillatory plate rheology as tools to characterize the extent of dispersion of CNTs in polymer matrices. We conclude by briefly discussing the potential applications of polymer/CNT composites and highlight the challenges that remain so that the unique properties of CNTs can be optimally translated to polymer matrices.

New strategies for the chemical characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and their derivatives

“…[7,8] It has been reported in several cases that the modification of the surface of the carbon nanotubes with functional groups can help to disperse them, and may lead to enhancement of mechanical properties and electrical conductivity in different matrices. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] In the case of the preparation of polymer nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes, various researchers have reported an improvement of the mechanical properties when covalently surfacemodified carbon nanotubes were used. Compared with non-covalently functionalized CNTs, covalently functionalized ones can interact directly with the matrix system as the polymer bound to the CNT can transfer stress directly from the matrix to the CNT structure.…”

Vibrant Macromolecular Science at the 30th Australasian Polymer Symposium

“…Finally, Bompart and Haupt [8] summarize -in the form of a highlight article -the current state of the art in molecularly imprinted polymers, while McNally and colleagues review the current state of the art for the preparation and characterization of polymer carbon nanotube composites. [9] While the chemistry of polymerization processes is highly important to prepare macromolecules of a specific topology as well as functionality, the applied polymerization conditions and processes are equally important. In recent years the use of unconventional solvents, such as supercritical carbon dioxide or ionic liquids, for (radical) polymerizations has seen increasing interest and the current special issue is no exception.…”

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) based nanocomposites: the preparation, structures, and properties

“…Rheological properties are related to the material's microstructure, the state of nanofiller dispersion, the aspect ratio and orientation of nanofillers, and the interactions between nanofillers and polymer chains [93]. A great deal of information can be collated from just one test which can be used to detect the frequency dependence of storage modulus and complex viscosity of composites.…”

“…Theoretically, reinforcement by CNTs should provide significant enhancements in a combination of stiffness (modulus), strength, and toughness. However, to date, limited improvements in all these properties for both thermoplastic and thermosetting-CNT composites have been reported [93].…”

“…Theoretically, reinforcement by CNTs should provide significant enhancements in a combination of stiffness (modulus), strength, and toughness. However, to date, limited improvements in all these properties for both thermoplastic and thermosetting-CNT composites have been reported [93].Shaffer and Windle [94] reported the first study using nanotubes for reinforcement, in which very little reinforcement was observed, with the storage modulus increasing from approximately 6 GPa for the polymer to 12 GPa for the 60 wt% composite film. Cadek et al [95] reported an increase of mechanical properties such as Young's modulus by a factor of 2 while adding only 0.6 vol % of CNT to poly(vinyl alcohol).…”