文摘
To efficiently reinforce polymer matrix composites with carbon nanotubes, issues of dispersion andnanotube-matrix compatibility should be optimized. Sidewall chemical functionalization was shown tobe effective in improving both the dispersion and interaction between the nanotube and the matrix. Thiswork evaluates the affect of sidewall functional group on dispersing the fluorinated single-walled carbonnanotubes (F-SWNTs) in a thermoplastic matrix (polyethylene) and on the mechanical properties of theF-SWNT composites fabricated. These studies demonstrate that in comparison with polyethylenecomposites, filled with purified nanotubes, improved dispersion and interfacial and mechanical propertiesare achieved for F-SWNT-loaded matrixes due to chemical functionalization. In addition, the observedpartial removal of functional groups from the F-SWNTs during melt processing with polyethylene byshear mixing suggests a possibility of in situ direct covalent bonding between the nanotubes and thematrix which ultimately results in mechanical reinforcement of the composite.