Structure and Tensile Properties of CNTs Polymer Composites

3 Structure and Tensile Properties of CNTs/ Polymer Composites 

Given the modulus and strength values that have been predicted and measured for CNTs, they are potentially an ideal reinforced material for high performance polymer composites with outstanding specific modulus and specific strength with only low concentrations of CNTs (11,39-42). However, one issue of practical importance for nanocomposite is the separation and dispersion of the CNTs within the matrix, 

1 Casting- or Melting-Processed CNTs/Polymer Composites 

Solution-based casting methods provide an advantage through low viscosities, which facilitate mixing and dispersion of the CNTs (11). 

Many studies have used these methods for processing of both thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers. Y. Liao (53) dissolved epoxy in a well-dispersed, ultra-sonicated CNT suspension. The solvent was evaporated, and the epoxy was subsequently cured to form a nanocomposite in which the good CNT dispersion was achieved. Jin et al. (54) produced various types of polymer-coated and polymer-grafted MWNT solutions, in some cases evaporating the solvent and subsequently melt-mixing with another polymer. Yudasaka et al. (55) used a mixture of SWNTs and PMMA in monochlorobenzene (MCB) for dispersion, purification and subsequent spin-casting of the material. 

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