Polymer/carbon nanotube electrospun nanofibers

Prilutslqr S., Zussman E., and Cohen Y. J., Carbonization of electrospun poly[aciylonitrile] nanofibers containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes observed by transmission electron microscope with in situ heating, Polym. Set B, 2010,48,2121-2128. 

Hou H. Q. and Reneker D. H., Carbon nanotubes on carbon nanofibers a novel structure based on electrospun polymer nanofibers, y4dv. Mater, 2004,16,69-73, D01 10.1002/adma.200306205. 

Hou, H., Reneker, D. (2004). Carbon Nanotubes on Carbon Nanofiberr. A Novel Structure Based on Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers. Advanced totenals, 16, 69-73. 

Almecija D, Blond D, Sader J E, Colemanb J N and Boland J J (2009) Mechanical properties of individual electrospun polymer-nanotube composite nanofibers, Carbon 47 2253-2258. 

Figure 10.31 is reprinted from Advanced Materials, Vol. 16, 2004, Authors Hou H and Reneker D H, Title Carbon nanotubes on carbon nanofibers A novel structure based on electrospun polymer nanofibers, pp. 69-73, Copyright... 

Yu HY, Qin ZY, Sun B, Yang XG, Yao JM (2014) Reinforcement of transparent poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) by incorpOTation of functionalized carbon nanotubes as a novel bionanocomposite for food packaging. Compos Sci Technol 94 96-104 Yu HY, Yao JM, Qin ZY, Liu L, Yang XG (2013) Comparison of covalent and noncovalent interactions of carbon nanotubes on the crystallization behavior and thermal properties of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate). J Appl Polym Sci 130 4299-4307 Yu W, Lan CH, Wang SJ, Fang PF, Sun YM (2010) Influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the crystallization behavior of electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) nanofibers. Polymer 51 2403-2409... 

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are highly desirable materials possessing unique structural, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties [25-30], Electrospun nanotube-polymer composite nanofibers are very attractive materials for a wide range of applications. This is due to the fact that the use of the electrospinning technique to incorporate CNTs in polymer nanofibers induces ahgnment of nanotubes within the nanofiber structure, which could greatly enhance the mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of composite fibers. " ... 

Mccullen, S.D., Stano, K.L., Stevens, D.R., Roberts, W.A., Monteiro-Riviere, N.A., Clarke, L.I., Gorga, R.E., 2007. Development, optimization, and characterization of electrospun poly (lactic acid) nanofibers containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Applied Polymer Science 105, 1668—1678. 

Sometimes it is necessary to have more than one material in nanofibers to mimic the structural and mechanical properties of the natural extracellular matrix. This can be done by a process called co-electrospinning, whereby blends of two different materials are electrospun to fabricate the scaffolds. Depending on the application one can make blends of different polymers or proteins or a combination of both. In our laboratory we have carried out extensive work on nanocomposite nanofibers fabricated from carbon nanotubes (CNTs). CNTs are a layer of graphite, one atom thick, rolled into a cylinder. CNT has a Young s modulus in the order of 1 TPa. " The toughness of CNT ranges from 6 to 30%. Incorporation of CNTs in polymeric and/or protein scaffolds not only improves the mechanical properties but gives unique electrical conductivity as well. We have fabricated co-electrospun scaffolds from various proteins, polymers and CNT. 

Mathew G, Hong IP, Rhee JM, Lee HS, Nah C. Preparation and characterization of properties of electrospun poly(butylene terephthalate) nanofibers filled with carbon nanotubes. Polymer Testing 2005 24 712-17. 

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