Surfactant-assisted processing of carbon nanotube/polymer composites

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 2000 · Chemistry of Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/cm9906396· OSTI ID:20075554

Gong, X; Liu, J; Baskaran, S; Voise, R D; Young, J S

Interfacial interaction is one of the most critical issues in carbon nanotube/polymer composites. In this paper the role of nonionic surfactant is investigated. With the surfactant as the processing aid, the addition of only 1 wt % carbon nanotubes in the composite increases the glass transition temperature from 63 C to 88 C. The elastic modulus is also increased by more than 30%. In contrast, the addition of carbon nanotubes without the surfactant only has moderate effects on the glass transition temperature and on the mechanical properties. This work points to the pathways to improve dispersion and to modify interfacial bonding in carbon nanotube/polymer composites.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Energy
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 20075554
• Journal Information: Chemistry of Materials, Journal Name: Chemistry of Materials Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 12; ISSN CMATEX; ISSN 0897-4756
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
CARBON FIBERS
INTERFACES
POLYMERS
SURFACTANTS