Use of surfactant — in situ polymerization

Regarding the second route mentioned, the colloidal CNT-polymer particle system can be obtained by in situ polymerization. Barraza et al. demonstrated the possibility of preparing SWCNT-filled thermoplastic PS and elastomeric styrene-isoprene copolymer by using a modified version of mini-emulsion polymerization with a cationic surfactant, whereas Deng et al. synthesized CNT/ polyaniline [PANI) composites by in situ emulsion polymerization. Alternatively, the colloidal system can be prepared by direct mixing of the CNTs and the polymer host particles, after the polymerization has already been carried out. 

Barraza and his coworkers prepared SWCNT/PS and SWCNT/ styrene-isoprene copolymer nanocomposites by using an original method based on mini-emulsion technology. SWCNTs, synthesized by the AD process and purified with HNO3 (86% of 

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