Trends in Conducting Polymer and Hybrids of Conducting Polymer/Carbon Nanotube: A Review

Several conducting polymers, including polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), poly(m-phenylenediamine), polynaphthylamine, poly(p-phenylene sulfide), and their carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites are discussed in this review. The physical, electrical, structural and thermal properties of polymers along with synthesis methods are discussed. A concise note on carbon nanotubes regarding their purification, functionalization, properties and production are reported. Moreover, the article focuses upon synthesis methods, properties and applications of conducting polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposites are focused. Nanotube dispersion, loading concentration and alignment within conducting polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposite affect their performance and morphology. The conducting polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposites are substantially used in sensors, energy storage devices, supercapacitors, solar cells, EMI materials, diodes, and coatings.     

石墨烯/聚苯乙烯复合材料的研究进展及应用

石墨烯是一种新型碳纳米材料,具有独特的力学、热学、光学、电学等性质,将石墨烯与聚合物复合是近年来的研究热点。聚苯乙烯(PS)的可加工性较好、成型收缩率较小、价格低廉、应用广泛,但其硬而脆,耐热性、力学性能和导电性较差,将石墨烯与PS复合能有效改善其综合性能。介绍了石墨烯/聚苯乙烯复合材料的制备方法,分析比较了熔融共混、溶液共混、原位乳液聚合、静电自组装以及微球覆盖还原等5种方法的优缺点;详细阐述了石墨烯或其衍生物改性聚苯乙烯复合材料热性能、电性能及力学性能方面的最新研究进展;最后,分析了复合材料在阻燃、金属防腐、污染物处理、光子晶体等领域的应用现状。     

Carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites and their applications

The purpose of the current review article is to present a compherensive understanding regarding pros and cons of carbon nanotube–related nanocomposites and to find ways in order to improve the performance of nanocomposites with new designs. Nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are employed in industrial applications such as supercapacitors, and biosensors, and etc. The present article has been prepared in three main categories. In the first part, carbon nanotube types have been presented, as single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and also equivalent circuit models, which have been used to more clarify the experimental measurements of impedance. In the second part, nanocomposites with many carbon, inorganic and polymeric materials such as polymer/CNT, activated carbon/CNT, metal oxide/CNT, and carbon fiber/CNT have been investigated in more detail. In the third part, the focus in on the industrial applications of CNTs. including supercapacitors, biosensors, radar absorbing materials, solar cells, and corrosion protection studies. This review article explains the latest advances in carbon nanotubes and their applications in electrochemical, electrical and optical properties of nanocomposites.     

碳纳米管/热致液晶复合材料的研究进展

碳纳米管/聚合物复合材料是当代碳纳米管研究领域的前沿课题,也是一项多学科交叉、多技术集成的系统工程。由于液晶和碳纳米管的特殊性能和在光电领域的潜在应用,碳纳米管液晶复合体系已经引起人们的广泛关注。本文简单介绍了近年来碳纳米管/热致液晶复合材料的发展状况,阐述了其制备原理、工艺方法、存在的问题及潜在的应用领域。     

聚苯乙烯/石墨烯纳米复合材料研究进展

综述了聚苯乙烯/石墨烯纳米复合材料制备方法的研究进展,包括溶液插层法、微球覆盖还原法、原位乳液聚合法、Pickering乳液聚合法、点击化学法、原子转移自由基法,以及聚苯乙烯/石墨烯纳米复合材料在电性能、热性能、流变性能和力学性能等方面的研究进展,并对其应用前景进行了展望。     

Perspectives of Polystyrene Composite with Fullerene,Carbon Black,Graphene, and Carbon Nanotube: A Review

The use of polystyrene-based materials has become very important due to a wide range of industrial applications. Different types of nanofillers such as fullerene, carbon black, graphite, graphene, and carbon nanotube have been used with polystyrene to attain high-performance materials. Fabrication and unique properties of composites are considered here. Use of fullerene to improve thermal stability of polystyrene/fullerene composite has been explored. Polystyrene /carbon black composite have found to improve thermal, electrical, and rheological properties. Polystyrene/graphite nanosheet composite have been used in different applications due to mechanical and electrical properties. Polystyrene/carbon nanotube composite have been studied for enhanced tribological properties.     

One-dimensional conducting polymer nanocomposites: Synthesis, properties and applications

Intrinsically conducting polymers have been studied extensively due to their intriguing electronic and redox properties and numerous potential applications in many fields since their discovery in 1970s. To improve and extend their functions, the fabrication of multi-functionalized conducting polymer nanocomposites has attracted a great deal of attention because of the emergence of nanotechnology. This article presents an overview of the synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) conducting polymer nanocomposites and their properties and applications. Nanocomposites consist of conducting polymers and one or more components, which can be carbon nanotubes, metals, oxide nanomaterials, chalcogenides, insulating or conducting polymers, biological materials, metal phthalocyanines and porphyrins, etc. The properties of 1D conducting polymer nanocomposites will be widely discussed. Special attention is paid to the difference in the properties between 1D conducting polymer nanocomposites and bulk conducting polymers. Applications of 1D conducting polymer nanocomposites described include electronic nanodevices, chemical and biological sensors, catalysis and electrocatalysis, energy, microwave absorption and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, electrorheological (ER) fluids, and biomedicine. The advantages of 1D conducting polymer nanocomposites over the parent conducting polymers are highlighted. Combined with the intrinsic properties and synergistic effect of each component, it is anticipated that 1D conducting polymer nanocomposites will play an important role in various fields of nanotechnology.     

Effectiveness of Polystyrene/Carbon Nanotube Composite in Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Materials: A Review

Polystyrene is an efficient thermoplastic having fine processability, chemical inertness, and mechanical performance. Technological advances have led to several industrial appliances of polystyrene-based materials ranging from insulation to electromagnetic interference shielding. In this state-of-the-art review, primarily structure and properties of carbon nanotube and polymer/carbon nanotube composite have been discussed. Carbon nanotube is considered as a brilliant filler for polymers. Therefore, a comprehensive discussion regarding high-performance polystyrene/carbon nanotube composite is presented. Main focus of review is the significance of electromagnetic interference shielding phenomenon in polystyrene/carbon nanotube composite. Owing to advantageous properties, these composite have potential to replace traditional shielding materials.     

Exploitation of Carbon Nanotubes in High Performance Polyvinylidene Fluoride Matrix Composite: A Review

Among nanocarbon fillers, carbon nanotubes are considered to be an ideal reinforcement due to their miniscule size, and excellent electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. However, carbon nanotubes can be utilized in polymer nanocomposites only if they are homogenously dispersed into polymer matrices. The multiwalled carbon nanotube has been concentrated as a reinforcement for an important type of thermoplastic polyvinylidene fluoride. This review initially focuses on carbon nanotubes modification both by mechanical methods and chemical functionalization to improve their dispersion. Moreover, the processing methods for polyvinylidene fluoride/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite have been discussed. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes facilitate the electrical conductivity, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of polyvinylidene fluoride.     

A facile strategy for the functionalization of poly[cyclotriphosphazene‐co‐(4,4′‐sulfonyldiphenol)] materials

Recently, a new type of phosphazene‐containing material, poly[cyclotriphosphazene‐co‐(4,4′‐sulfonyldiphenol)] (PZS), was successfully prepared. PZS materials including PZS nanotubes, PZS nanofibers and PZS microspheres show excellent thermal stability, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Moreover, PZS‐containing materials such as silver nanowire/PZS, carbon nanotube/PZS and Fe₃O₄/PZS nanotubes have also been prepared. Therefore, we explored a specific method for the functionalization of these PZS and PZS‐containing materials to expand their scope of application. As a model of various PZS and PZS‐containing materials, PZS microspheres (PZSMs) were functionalized via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Polymerization of styrene occurred at surface sites covalently derivatized with ATRP initiators to form PZSM–polystyrene. The number‐average molecular weight (M_n) of grafted polymer chains could be well controlled. Furthermore, PZSM–polystyrene was still active for further block copolymerization of methyl methacrylate. Both styrene‐ and acrylate‐type monomers could be directly polymerized or block copolymerized from the surface of PZS and PZS‐containing materials using surface‐initiated ATRP. M_n of grafted polymer chains could be well controlled. This facile strategy could pave the way for a wider range of applications of these materials. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Bio‐based hyperbranched polyurethane/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites as shape memory materials

Mesua ferrea L. seed oil based hyperbranched polyurethane/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites were prepared by solution polymerization technique. The multi‐walled carbon nanotubes were modified with the polyoxyethylene octyl phenyl ether (Triton X‐100). The transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study revealed the homogeneous distribution of the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes in the polymer matrix and the presence of strong interfacial interaction between them, respectively. The tensile strength (5.5–21.5 MPa) and scratch resistance (3–6.1 kg) increase with the increase of the content of carbon nanotubes (0 to 2 wt%). The thermo‐gravimetric analysis result showed the increment of thermal stability (240–275°C) of the nanocomposites. All the prepared nanocomposites exhibited the excellent shape fixity and shape recovery. The shape recovery time decreases (127–73 s) with the increase of the concentration of carbon nanotubes in the nanocomposites. Thus the prepared nanocomposites might be utilized as advanced shape memory applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:636–643, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal,mechanical, and rheological properties of biodegradable polybutylene succinate/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

Biodegradable poly(butylene succinate)/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing process, and the influence of carbon nanotubes on the properties of the nanocomposites was investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that crystallization temperature (T_c) increase with increasing carbon nanotube content. Improvement of tensile modulus was observed by the addition of carbon nanotubes compared with pure poly(butylene succinate). Electrical conductivity showed that conductivity of polybutylene succinate/carbon nanotube composites increased with addition of carbon nanotube content. The storage moduli of polybutylene succinate/carbon nanotube composites are higher than the neat polybutylene succinate. The processability of polybutylene succinate/carbon nanotubes composites was improved and more pronounced in higher content of carbon nanotubes. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1309–1314, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Polystyrene/attapulgite nanocomposites prepared via in situ suspension polymerization with redox initiation system

A series of polymer–clay nanocomposites consisting of polystyrene (PS) and attapuglite (ATP) were prepared successfully. First, silane coupling agent containing aromatic tertiary amine groups was synthesized to functionalize ATP (M‐ATP). Then, PS nanocomposites with varied clay loadings were prepared via in situ suspension polymerization process with a redox initiation system consisting of aromatic tertiary amine and benzoyl peroxide. The synthesis of silane coupling agent and functionalization of ATP were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Mechanical properties, morphology, thermal stability, and rheological behavior of nanocomposites were investigated to illuminate the effects of M‐ATP on the structure and properties of nanocomposites. Field‐emission scanning electron microscope images revealed an ideal dispersion of M‐ATP and an enhanced toughness of nanocomposites. The improved interface interaction between M‐ATP and PS matrix endowed the nanocomposites with outstanding mechanical properties and thermal stability. The formation of hybrid network in the nanocomposites containing 3 wt % M‐ATP resulted in higher complex viscosity (η*), storage modulus (G′), and lower loss factor (tanδ) compared with the pristine PS and PS/ATP nanocomposites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41567.     

Thermoset/graphene polymer composites—A review of processing and properties

Polymer-carbon nanocomposites incorporate the exceptional properties of both the polymer matrices, such as low cost and simple processing, with the distinctive features of the carbon-based fillers, such as high electrical and thermal conductivities, and excellent mechanical properties. Various fillers like carbon black (CB), graphite, expanded graphite (EG), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are being used to produce materials with advanced properties. However, at high filler loading, these filler materials have some major challenges such as filler agglomeration. Recently, graphene has gained increased interest as an alternative filler to produce polymer nanocomposites with advanced characteristics. Thermosetting polymer composites with graphene fillers are being considered for multiple applications and are a subject of interest for researchers because of enhanced properties like excellent corrosion resistance and low density. This review outlines studies to improve the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of thermoset/graphene composites.     

Electrically conductive and super-tough polyamide-based nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites can exhibit superior multi-functional properties if they possess phase separated morphology at the nanoscale. Despite the huge potential of these materials, there are several fundamental issues including the ultimate microstructures, which need to be resolved to tailor different physical and mechanical properties required for specific applications. A ‘ternary nanocomposites’ approach is adopted to prepare electrically conductive and super-tough¹ (in terms of notched impact energy) hybrid polymer nanocomposites (polyamide 6/carbon nanotube/elastomer) that possess better properties than either of the constituent binary polymer nanocomposites (polyamide 6/carbon nanotubes and polyamide 6/elastomer). The individual roles of the nano-fillers involved in achieving multi-functionality are emphasized. The level of property enhancements of ternary nanocomposites depends essentially on the microstructure inducing a volume exclusion effect and the capability of fillers to activate the plastic deformation mechanisms in the matrix.     

The influence of carbon nanotubes, organically modified montmorillonites and layered double hydroxides on the thermal degradation and fire retardancy of polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and polystyrene

Nanocomposites of polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and polystyrene with single- and multi-wall carbon nanotubes, organically modified montmorillonites and layered double hydroxides were prepared by melt blending. Their morphologies were assessed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, while the flammability properties were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry. The relative amounts and the identity of the degradation products are changed when both well-dispersed cationic and anionic clays are used, but there is no difference in the degradation products when carbon nanotubes were utilized. When the nano-dimensional material is not well-dispersed, the degradation products are not changed. Unlike their smectite counterparts, polymer/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites give reasonably good reductions in peak heat release even when good nano-dispersion has not been obtained. These data suggest that the enhancement in the fire behavior must be, at least in part, due to different mechanisms for montmorillonite, layered double hydroxides and carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites.     

Supramolecularly Mediated Robust,Anti‐Fatigue,and Strain‐Sensitive Macromolecular Microsphere Composite Hydrogels

Hydrogels are increasingly investigated and applied in flexible electronic devices, but their practical applications are often restricted by the poor mechanical and limited anti‐fatigue properties. This works reports an approach to robust, anti‐fatigue, and strain‐sensitive hydrogels by introducing macromolecular microsphere and mediating their supramolecular cross‐linking points. A model network composed of sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) microspheres and poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid)/Fe³⁺ (poly(Am‐co‐AA)/Fe³⁺) is investigated. The resulting composite hydrogels have high tensile strength (4.29 MPa) and anti‐fatigue property. More interestingly, such composite hydrogels have strain‐dependent conductivity and can be applied in robust flexible strain sensors for monitoring various human motions. Overall, the hydrogels developed herein not only help to understand the enhancing mechanism of composite hydrogels, but also offer alternative materials for fabricating robust electronic devices.     

Antistatic packaging based on PTT/PTT-g-MA/ABS/MWCNT nanocomposites: Effect of the chemical functionalization of MWCNTs

Polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposites have attracted high interest for a wide spectrum of applications, including antistatic packaging used to protect electronic devices against electrostatic discharge. Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT)/maleic-anhydride-grafted PTT (PTT-g-MA)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend-based multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were prepared through extrusion. It was conducted chemical functionalization on the MWCNTs by oxidation using nitric acid to introduce functional groups. The effect of the amount (0.5 or 1.0 wt%) and functionalization of MWCNTs on the nanocomposites was investigated. Despite the poor barrier properties of PTT/PTT-g-MA/ABS/MWCNT nanocomposites due to the presence of voids confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the nanocomposites with functionalized MWCNT (MWCNTf) showed excellent barrier properties, indicating that the functionalization process improved the interaction between the MWCNTs and the matrix. The addition of MWCNTs into PTT/PTT-g-MA/ABS blend decreased the electrical resistivity by eight orders of magnitude. The use of MWCNTf may still disrupt the electrical network pathway and slightly decreasing the electrical resistivity, but the nanocomposites present the desired properties required for antistatic packaging.     

Dispersion of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes in poly(aryl ether ketone) obtained by in situ polymerization

BACKGROUND: Recently, much work has focused on the efficient dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) throughout a polymer matrix for mechanical and/or electrical matrices. However, CNTs used as enhancement inclusions in a high‐performance polymer matrix, especially in poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK), have rarely been reported. Therefore, multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)‐modified PAEK nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ polymerization of monomers of interest in the presence of pre‐treated MWNTs. RESULTS: This process enabled a uniform dispersion of MWNT bundles in the polymer matrix. The resultant MWNT/PAEK nanocomposite films were optically transparent with significant mechanical enhancement at a very low MWNT loading (0.5 wt%). CONCLUSION: These MWNT/polymer nanocomposites are potentially useful in a variety of aerospace and terrestrial applications, due to the combination of excellent properties of MWNTs with PAEK. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Investigation on morphology and properties of melt compounded polyoxymethylene/carbon nanotube composites

Polyoxymethylene nanocomposites containing different contents of carbon nanotubes were produced by a two‐step melt compounding process using a twin‐screw extruder. The dispersion quality, thermal and mechanical properties, and the creep as well as the tribological behaviors of the nanocomposites were investigated. Morphological investigations show that the masterbatch dilution process significantly improves the dispersion quality of carbon nanotubes within polyoxymethylene matrix, and as a consequence, enhanced mechanical properties and creep resistance are gained. Furthermore, to predict the long‐term property based on the short‐term experimental data, the time–temperature superposition principle and Findley model were used. Master curves with extended time scale are constructed using time–temperature superposition principle to horizontally shift the short‐term experimental data. The simulated results confirm the reinforced creep resistance by incorporation of the carbon nanotubes into the polymer matrix even at extended long time scale. By contrast, the tribological performance of polyoxymethylene was remarkably impaired after adding carbon nanotubes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42639.