Study on the improvement of dispersibility and orientation control of fluorocarbon‐modified single‐walled carbon nanotubes in a fluorinated polymer matrix

Abstract

A technique for improving the dispersibility of fluorocarbon-modified, singlewalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in fluorinated polymers was investigated. Furthermore, we aimed to achieve uniaxial orientation of SWCNT aggregates via a simple high-temperature drawing method to yield fluoropolymer-based nanocomposites containing uniform dispersed SWCNTs. Highly waterrepellent SWCNTs were mixed with phase-separable fluorinated polymers by the chemical modification of their surfaces with fluorocarbons. Introducing a fluorinated phosphonic acid surfactant with a high-sublimation temperature as the third component to improve dispersibility in the polymer matrix resulted in an innovative improvement. The uniform dispersed SWCNTs in the matrix improved the crystallinity, crystallization temperature, and mechanical characteristics of the composites. The high-temperature uniaxial orientation of the composite material reduced differences in the physical properties in the polymer due to differences in the initial dispersibility. This effect was expected since the drawing process promoted the deagglomeration of SWCNTs in the matrix. However, optimal physical properties were observed in SWCNT-oriented composite samples with an excellent initial dispersion.

Nanofiller dispersing, drawn orientation, and mechanical properties of polymer‐based composites via organo‐modification of single‐walled carbon nanotubes obtained by two‐types of manufacturing processes

“…It could also be speculated that the establishment of interactions between the modified chain and the PVDF terminal chain has improved when the FDPA portion presumably acted as a nucleating agent; this resulted in an improved crystallinity. [ 52 ] A comparison of the DSC crystallization peaks of neat PVDF and its composite predicts this change in the thickness of the lamella.…”

Polypropylene‐based nanocomposite with improved mechanical properties: Effect of cellulose nanofiber and polyrotaxane with partial miscibility

“…This is similar to the case of composites consisting of organic polymers and organo-modified inorganic nanofillers. [40,45,55] The wettability of the matrix is improved by making the surfaces of the inorganic nanoparticles hydrophilic and lipophilic with organic chains. Polymer composites with dispersed inorganic nanoparticles exhibit improved Young's modulus/material hardness.…”

“…[38] Fiber reinforcement with CNFs [39,40] has also gained substantial attention. Similar to polyethylene reinforcement with glass fibers, [41] biodegradable polymer reinforcement with kenaf fibers, [42,43] and plastic reinforcement with carbon nanotubes, [44,45] CNFs are expected to play an increasingly important role as reinforcing fillers for polymer composites [46] (Figure S1a, left).…”

Crystallization kinetics and nanomechanical behavior of biobased poly(ethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) reinforced with carbon nanotubes

“…Thus, PEF/MWCNTs nanocomposites (mentioned as PEF/CNTs in this manuscript) were in situ prepared, containing 0, 0.5, 1, and 2.5 wt% filler. [36,37] Carbon nanotubes were specifically selected as a reinforcing filler due to their excellent nucleating efficiency and mechanical properties' reinforcing effect even when incorporated into a polymer matrix at low loadings [33,[38][39][40][41][42][43][44] minimizing the cost of the nanocomposites' production. Furthermore, the percolation threshold of CNTs is much lower compared to other reinforcing fillers (metallic particles, carbon black, etc.)…”