Surface density, polymer-carbon nanotube

Moreover, the carbon nanotube density is low. Thus, there is a considerable interest in using nanotubes to fabricate composite materials from the point of view of mechanical reinforcement. However, the above models assume a perfect adhesion of the nanotubes to the matrix. In practice, the interface can fail. Of course, this lowers the stress transfer and the reinforcement by the nanotubes. This is why controlling the surface chemistry of the nanotubes and their interactions with a polymer matrix are also critical challenges. 

FIGURE 2.21 Aligned carbon nanotubes with a bioactive conducting polymer (a) Pure CNT array before treatment, (b) aligned CEP-CNT coaxial nanowires inset shows clear image of single tube coated with PPy, (c) PPy only deposited on the top of CNT surface because of high density of tubes, and (d) polymer formed on both outside of walls and the top of the surface of the CNT array. (With permission from Electroanalysis, 15, 1089 (2003). 2003, Wiley-VCH.)... 

In this chapter, the recent advances in the field of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposite aerogels and related materials are described. An emphasis is paid to the relationship between the preparation method and the most characteristic properties of these materials such as density, surface area, electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and so forth. 

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