Preparation and Characterization of Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) Incorporated in Gelatin-Based Hydrogel Nanocomposites

Abstract

This study prepared gelatin/functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) nanocomposites with different f-MWCNT concentrations using a simple solution casting method. For each f-MWCNT concentration of the gelatin/f-MWCNT nanocomposites, permittivity parameters were measured at five different locations on the sample surface. Cole–Cole graphs were obtained by plotting the imaginary permittivity as a function of the real permittivity. The Havriliak–Negami model was used to obtain the value of alpha, since the shape is a quasi-skewed semicircle. The average relaxation time was τ = 12.6 ps and was roughly constant with the addition of f-MWCNTs. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed increased interactions between the carbon nanotubes and polymers.