Mechanical and Electrical Property Modification

Several studies on the characterization and fabrication of carbon nanotube-polymer nanocomposites have highlighted the important roles of the parameters discussed in Chapter 2 (such as, orientation, dispersion, and interfacial adhesion) in determining the properties of the composites. Jia et al. [75] used an in situ process for the fabrication of a PM M A/ M WNT composite. An initiator was used to open up the Jt bonds of the MWNTs in order to increase the linkage with the PMMA. The formation of C—C bonds results in a strong interface between the nanotubes and the PMMA. 

The melt could be formed as a film or spun into fibers. With the introduction of SWNTs, the draw ratio is reduced and a roughened surface results for the fiber, as viewed under an optical microscope. Mechanical and electrical properties are improved with increasing SWNTconcentration. Melt processing, therefore, appears 

Composite fibers obtained with 20% nanotube loading showed a 450% increase in elastic modulus relative to polyethylene fibers. 

Applied Science Inc. MWNTs and CNFs (nanofibers) CNFs 65/lb Cedarville, OH, USA 

Bucky USA Fullerenes, MWNTs and SWNTs MWNT 60-150/g SWNT 150/g Houston, TX, USA 

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