CNT-polymer hybrids

The transition from fundamental research to materials engineering and applications involves good knowledge of the physico-chemical properties of the investigated materials, and their electronic and vibrational features provide primary information. In the following, via the presentation of some specific cases, we demonstrate the ability of Raman scattering to characterize, in detail, chemically modified CNT-polymers hybrid materials. 

Blau and co-workers prepared a CNT-polymer hybrid by suspended SWNTs in organic solvents poly (p-phenylenevinylene-co-2,5-dioctyloxy-m-phenylenevinylene) to wrap the copolymer around the CNTs. The electrical properties of these hybrids were improved relative to those of the individual components. A noncovalent method has been used to functionalize SWNTs by encapsulating SWNTs within cross-linked and amphiphilic poly(styrene)-blocfe-poly(actylic add) copolymer micelles (Figure 19). This encapsulation significantly enhanced the dispersion of SWNTs in a wide variety of polar and nonpolar solvents and polymer matrices because the copolymer shell was permanently fixed. Thus, encapsulated SWNTs may be stabilized with respect to typical polymer processing and recovery from the polymer matrix. 

Furthermore, CNT-clay hybrid filler can also be used to prepare polymer nanocomposites by solution based method. Hydrophilic... 

Preformed nanofillers (and impact modifiers, as well) will be offered in masterbatch forms and diluted with suitable resins upon request. Further on, great efforts will be devoted to generate novel nanofillers, like graphite sheets, CNT-clay hybrids, coiled CNTs. The potential of nanofillers of natural origin, like cellulose whiskers, will be checked in various polymers, including rubbers. In respect of nanofillers, the RfeD work will focus on their possible functional properties ( smart nanoparticles). 

Advantages of using CNT/inorganic hybrid in polymer nanocomposites... 

In this section, the differences between using CVD hybrid fillers and physically mixed hybrid fillers in polymer composites were studied. It shows an interesting result with regard to the thermal and hardness properties of composites. The synergistic effects of two components in the hybrid fillers helped each other perform as fillers and reinforcements in polymer composites. The thermal conductivities and hardnesses of phenolic/CNT—alumina hybrid composites were studied. The CNT—alumina hybrid (HYB compound) was produced via the CVD method, which was discussed in Section 5.6. The phenolic/CNT—alumina hybrid composites were fabricated using hot-mounted molding. Thermal conductivity was measured using the transient plane source method with a Hot-Disk Thermal Constant Analyzer. Table 5.4 shows the sample description in this study. 

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