Effect of single-walled carbon nanotubes on morphology and mechanical properties of NBR/PVC blends

Dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer based on Nitrile butadiene-rubber (NBR)/PVC with functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (f-SWNTs) and non-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were prepared using a brabender internal mixer. Effects of two types of SWNTs (functionalized and non-functionalized) on morphology and mechanical properties of NBR/PVC blends were studied. Results showed that the mechanical properties of NBR/PVC/SWNTs nanocomposites improved with the increasing of SWNTs content and in particular with the increase of f-SWNTs content. Moreover, the enhancement of mechanical properties of NBR/PVC blends reinforced with functionalized SWNT was higher than that of NBR/PVC blends with non-functionalized SWNT. Dispersion of SWNTs and morphology of NBR/PVC/SWNT nanocomposites were determined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. TEM images illustrated that f-SWNTs were dispersed uniformly in NBR/PVC matrix while non-functionalized SWNTs showed much aggregation. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of NBR/PVC/SWNTs nanocomposites was also studied. The outcomes indicated that in the case of f-SWNTs, the intensity of tan ?? peak was lower than that in the case of non-functionalized SWNTs. Meanwhile, the intensity of tan ?? peak reduced when the content of f-SWNTs was increased.     

Electrical conductivity and oxygen permeability of polyacrylonitrile/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composites

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were prepared by nonconventional ultrasonic‐assisted emulsifier free emulsion polymerization technique with variable percentage of functionalized carbon nanotube. PAN/MWCNT nanocomposites were characterized by ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐visible) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The result from UV‐visible suggested that the functionalized MWCNT had interfacial interaction with PAN matrices. The surface morphology of functionalized MWCNT and PAN/MWCNT nanocomposites were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrical properties of PAN/MWCNT nanocomposites were measured and the result indicated that the conductivity increased with increasing concentration of MWCNTs. The oxygen permeability of PAN/MWCNT nanocomposites gradually increased with increase of MWCNT concentration, the result which was in agreement with the vertical alignment ofMWCNT in SEM. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in polyacrylonitrile‐co‐starch copolymer matrix for enhancement of electrical,thermal, and gas barrier properties

Nanomaterials gained great importance on account of their wide range of applications in many areas. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit exceptional electrical, thermal, gas barrier, and tensile properties and can therefore be used for the development of a new generation of composite materials. Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced Polyacrylonitrile‐co‐starch nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization technique. The structural property of PAN‐co‐starch/MWCNT nanocomposites was studied by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The conductivity, tensile strength, and thermal properties of nanocomposites were measured as a function of MWCNT concentrations. The thermal stability, conductivity, and tensile strength of PAN‐co‐starch/MWCNT nanocomposites were improved with increasing concentration of MWCNTs. Oxygen barrier property of PAN‐co‐starch/MWCNT nanocomposites was calculated and it was found that, the property was reduced substantially with increase of MWCNTs proportion. The synthesized PAN‐co‐starch/MWCNT nanocomposites may used for electrostatically dissipative materials, aerospace or sporting goods, and electronic materials. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal and mechanical behavior of poly(vinyl butyral)‐modified novolac epoxy/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

The effects of poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) and acid‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube modification on the thermal and mechanical properties of novolac epoxy nanocomposites were investigated. The nanocomposite containing 1.5 wt % PVB and 0.1 wt % functionalized carbon nanotubes showed an increment of about 15°C in the peak degradation temperature compared to the neat novolac epoxy. The glass‐transition temperature of the novolac epoxy decreased with increasing PVB content but increased with an increase in the functionalized carbon nanotube concentration. The nanocomposites showed a lower tensile strength compared to the neat novolac epoxy; however, the elongation at break improved gradually with increasing PVB content. Maximum elongation and impact strength values of 7.4% and 17.0 kJ/m² were achieved in the nanocomposite containing 1.5 wt % PVB and 0.25 wt % functionalized carbon nanotubes. The fractured surface morphology was examined with field emission scanning electron microscopy, and correlated with the mechanical properties. The functionalized carbon nanotubes showed preferential accumulation in the PVB phase beyond 0.25 wt % loading. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43333.     

Influence of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Performance of Poly(Azomethine-Ether) Composite Materials

The present work is aimed to fabricate a new set of composite materials containing conducting poly(azomethine-ether) reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes in the form of single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(azomethine-ether)_1–5 for excellent enhanced thermal as well as conducting behavior of poly(azomethine-ether). Single-walled carbon nanotubes of variable loading have been embedded into conducting poly(azomethine-ether) using in situ polymerization technique. Before attempting the polymerization, 1,3-thiazole established poly(azomethine-ether) and its conformable monomers have been prepared and their chemical structures have been correlated by spectral analyses. Furthermore, η_inh and M_w values for poly(azomethine-ether) were found 0.89?dL?g^?1 and 39723.6, respectively. The fabricated single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(azomethine-ether)_1–5 composites were specified and characterized by wide-angle X-ray diffraction patterns, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal behavior, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy characterization techniques. A perfect indicative response for this composite material was estimated by Fourier transform infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction as well. Both techniques displayed all intensive characteristic peaks regarding single-walled carbon nanotubes and poly(azomethine-ether) in the spectra or diffraction pattern for single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(azomethine-ether)_1–5. The role of single-walled carbon nanotubes on the performance of poly(azomethine-ether) was considerably examined. Single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(azomethine-ether)_1–5 showed relatively higher thermal stability. Single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(azomethine-ether)₁ displayed the lowest final composite degradation temperature value (552°C), whereas single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(azomethine-ether)₅ displayed the highest value (621°C). T₁₀ and T₂₅ values showed a gradual temperature increased while single-walled carbon nanotubes increased. Single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(azomethine-ether)₁ showed the lowest thermal stability and single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(azomethine-ether)₅ showed the highest thermal stability between all fabricated products. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy images showed a prominent increase in single-walled carbon nanotubes diameters (40–60?nm). The conductivity values were significantly increased while single-walled carbon nanotubes content was increased and reached to the semiconductors. ε′ values were also increased in both single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(azomethine-ether)_4,5 which have higher single-walled carbon nanotubes content.     

Mass production of carbon nanotube‐reinforced polyacrylonitrile fine composite fibers

A facile and large‐scale production method of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers and carboxyl functionalized carbon nanotube reinforced PAN composite fibers was demonstrated by the use of Forcespinning® technology. The developed polymeric fibers and carbon nanotube‐reinforced composite fibers were subsequently carbonized to obtain carbon fiber systems. Analysis of the fiber diameter, homogeneity, alignment of carbon nanotube and bead formation was conducted with scanning electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis, electrical, and mechanical characterization were also conducted. Raman and FTIR analyses of the developed fiber systems indicate interactions between carbon nanotubes and the carbonized PAN fibers through π–π stacking. The carbonized carbon nanotube‐reinforced PAN composite fibers possess promising applications in energy storage applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40302.     

Physical properties of phenol-anchored multiwall carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposite

Surface functionalization of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was carried out by introducing a ylide group containing anchored phenol structures. Epoxy nanocomposites filled with modified and pristine carbon nanotubes were prepared, and their mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties were evaluated. Mechanical properties such as tensile strengths and Young’s moduli of the epoxy nanocomposites increased significantly with the addition of the modified MWCNTs compared to the pristine MWCNTs, due to the strong interaction between the modified MWCNTs and the epoxy matrix. Scanning electron microscopy of the fractured epoxy systems revealed that the functionalized MWCNTs were finely dispersed in the matrix, as opposed to the pristine carbon nanotubes. The epoxy/functionalized MWCNT nanocomposite had a lower surface electrical resistance than the epoxy/pristine MWCNT nanocomposite, confirming the effect of functionalization.     

In situ preparation of polyimide/amino‐functionalized carbon nanotube composites and their properties

In order to improve the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polyimide (PI) matrix and the interfacial interaction between CNTs and PI, 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA)‐functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs‐ODA) were synthesized by oxidation and amidation reactions. The structures and morphologies of CNTs‐ODA were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Then a series of polyimide/amino‐functionalized carbon nanotube (PI/CNT‐ODA) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization. CNTs‐ODA were homogeneously dispersed in PI matrix. The influence of CNT‐ODA content on mechanical properties of PI/CNT‐ODA nanocomposites was investigated. It was found that the mechanical properties of nanocomposites were enhanced with the increase in CNT‐ODA loading. When the content of CNTs‐ODA was 3 wt%, the tensile strength of PI/CNT‐ODA nanocomposites was up to 169.07 MPa (87.11% higher than that of neat PI). The modulus of PI/CNTs‐ODA was increased by 62.64%, while elongation at break was increased by 66.05%. The improvement of the mechanical properties of PI/CNT‐ODA nanocomposites were due to the strong chemical bond and interfacial interaction between CNTs‐ODA and PI matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1952–1959, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improved impact strength of epoxy by the addition of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and reactive diluent

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), both oxidized and amine functionalized (triethylenetetramine—TETA), have been used to improve the mechanical properties of nanocomposites based on epoxy resin. The TGA and XPS analysis allowed the evaluation of the degree of chemical modification on MWCNTs. Nanocomposites were manufactured by a three‐roll milling process with 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt % of MWCNT–COOH and MWCNT–COTETA. A series of nanocomposites with 5.0 wt % of reactive diluent was also prepared. Tensile and impact tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of the nanofillers and diluent on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The results showed higher gains (258% increase) in the impact strength for nanocomposites manufactured with aminated MWCNTs. Optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the overall filler distribution, the dispersion of individual nanotubes, and the interface adhesion on the nanocomposites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42587.     

Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical testing of carbon nanotubes derivatized with azobenzene and anthraquinone

Multi-walled and single-walled carbon nanotubes were side-wall functionalized with azobenzene and anthraquinone residues, i.e., chemical groups possessing redox activity, for potential utilization in functional catalysis and memory storage devices. Solvent-free synthesis was performed with diazonium salts generated in situ where it was found that it was simple and effective method. Nanotube functionalization was confirmed and characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is worth noting, that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) functionalized with azobenzene produced Raman modes typical of substituted azobenzenes with spectral peaks at ∼1137, 1412, and 1447 cm⁻¹. The nanotubes containing electroactive substituents were transferred onto electrode substrates using the Langmuir-Blodgett approach and characterized by cyclic voltammetry. The amount of electroactive groups per mg of nanotubes was calculated based on the peak of cathodic current. A highly reproducible voltammetric response was obtained with a single nanotube layer or multiple nanotube/octadecanol layers. It is believed that devices such as these will be invaluable for future high-performance electrodes.     

Effect of carbon nanotubes functionalization on properties of their nanocomposites with polycarbonate/poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) matrix

In this work, a comparative study evaluating the influence of different functionalization of carbon nanotubes on the properties of nanocomposites with polymeric matrix was performed. A 50/50 wt% polycarbonate (PC)/poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) blend was used as polymeric matrix of the nanocomposites. The comparison was made between nanocomposites reinforced with covalently functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTf) and MWCNTf/nanoclay hybrid functionalization. The effect on the mechanical and morphological properties of the nanocomposites was evaluated through tensile and Izod impact tests and scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. The thermal characterization of PC/ABS blends and nanocomposites was performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results showed that both methods of functionalization of MWCNTs increased the stiffness and impact resistance of the nanocomposites. TEM micrographs indicated the preferred location of the reinforcements in the SAN phase of ABS. Results from DSC indicated an increase in the thermal resistance of the nanocomposites.     

Comparative study of the thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization of ε‐caprolactone and functionalized carbon nanotubes

As an effort to compare the influence of several types of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) upon the mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites prepared with a poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) as matrix and functionalized CNTs as fillers; nanocomposites of PCL–CNTs were studied in this study. CNTs were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition using dry ethanol as the carbon source. High resolution scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Raman and infrared spectroscopies were used to characterize the CNTs obtained. Four chemical synthesis routes were exploited to add different types of chemical groups onto the surface of purified CNTs. Specifically, the authors inserted: (i) N‐methylpyrrolidine, (ii) carboxyl and hydroxyl, (iii) urethane, and (iv) phenylmethanol groups onto CNTs surface. Nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) in presence of 1 wt% of each type of functionalized CNTs. Young's moduli of the nanocomposites prepared with N‐methylpyrrolidine or carboxyl and hydroxyl functionalized CNTs are higher than the one of pure PCL, whereas all the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites containing urethane or phenylmethanol groups evaluated at the break point were higher than those of pure PCL. Thermal stability of all the nanocomposites studied improved with respect to pure PCL. POLYM. COMPOS.,, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of functionalized SWCNTs on microstructure of PP‐g‐MA/OMMT/f‐SWCNTs nanocomposite

The aim of this work was to study the effect of functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐SWCNTs) on the microstructure of PP‐g‐MA/organic modified montmorillonite (OMMT)/f‐SWCNTs ternary nanocomposite. Pristine SWCNTs were chemically modified by maleic anhydride to improve the interaction between PP‐g‐MA and nanotubes. The dispersion states of OMMT in the different nanocomposites were investigated by wide angle X‐ray diffraction. The morphologies of the nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Crystallization behaviors of nanocomposites were studied through differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy. Different than the PP‐g‐MA/OMMT binary nanocomposite, in which the OMMT is mainly in an exfoliated state, the ternary PP‐g‐MA/OMMT/f‐SWCNTs nanocomposite exhibits mostly intercalated OMMT. Furthermore, in the ternary nanocomposite, the crystallization of polymer is mainly induced by f‐SWCNTs rather than by OMMT. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Effect of carbon nanotube on PA6/ECO composites: Morphology development,rheological, and thermal properties

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) nanocomposites based on polyamide‐6 (PA6)/poly(epichlorohydrin‐co‐ethylene oxide) (ECO)/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) were prepared by melt compounding process. Different weight ratios of ECO (20, 40, and 60 wt %) and two kinds of functionalized and non‐functionalized MWCNTs were employed to fabricate the nanocomposites. The morphological, rheological, and mechanical properties of MWCNTs‐filled PA6/ECO blends were studied. The scanning electron microscopy of PA6/ECO blends showed that the elastomer particles, ECO, are well‐dispersed within the PA6 matrix. The significant improvement in the dispersibility of the carboxylated carbon nanotubes (COOH‐MWCNTs) compared to that of non‐functionalized MWCNTs (non‐MWCNTs) was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy images. The tensile modulus of samples improved with the addition of both types of MWCNTs. However, the effect of COOH‐MWCNTs was much more pronounced in improving mechanical properties of PA6/ECO TPE nanocomposites. Crystallization results demonstrated that the MWCNTs act as a nucleation agent of the crystallization process resulted in increased crystallization temperature (T_c) in nanocomposites. Rheological characterization in the linear viscoelastic region showed that complex viscosity and a non‐terminal storage modulus significantly increased with incorporation of both types of MWCNTs particularly at low frequency region. The increase of rheological properties was more pronounced in the presence of carboxylic (COOH) functional groups, in the other words by addition of COOH‐MWCNTs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45977.     

Study on Morphology,Rheology and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Elastomer Polyolefin (TPO)/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites with Reference to the Effect of Polypropylene-grafted-Maleic Anhydride (PP-g-MA) as a Compatibilizer

The structure–property relationships of polypropylene/ethylene-propylene-diene (PP/EPDM) (80/20) nanocomposites containing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by melt-mixing process were investigated, the main focus being on the effect of SWCNTs concentration and compatilizer content. Morphological observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are presented in conjunction with the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of these nanocomposites. The tensile modulus of nanocomposites was enhanced by increasing the SWCNTs concentration. A high level of toughness in the thermoplastic elastomer polyolefin (TPO)/SWCNTs nanocomposite was achieved with 0.5 wt% of SWCNTs and 1 wt% of polypropylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments confirmed the nucleation effect of nanotubes on the crystallization process of the TPO/SWCNTs composites. An appreciable viscosity upturn and a non-terminal low frequency storage modulus were observed in nanocomposites containing SWCNTs whose values increased in the presence of compatibilizer.     

Novel approach toward poly(butylene succinate)/single-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites with interfacial-induced crystallization behaviors and mechanical strength

Biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanocomposites were successfully prepared through silication and physical blend between PBS and acyl aminopropyltriethoxysilane functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT-APTES), which was obtained from acylate between 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and acyl chloride functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) observations revealed that the PBS chains were covalently attached to the SWCNT-APTES by hydrolysis. PBS/SWCNT-APTES nanocomposites after hydrolysis exhibited strong interfacial interaction between SWCNT-APTES and PBS matrix, leading to a less agglomeration. However, the PBS/SWCNT-APTES nanocomposite prepared by only physical blend without hydrolysis exhibited severe reagglomeration of SWCNT in the PBS. The addition of SWCNT-APTES enhanced the crystallization of the PBS in the nanocomposites for both approaches of hydrolysis and physical blend due to the heterogeneous nucleation effect while the crystal structure of PBS remained. Especially, a more significant increase of crystallization rate for physical blend was present as comparison to PBS/SWCNT-APTES after hydrolysis due to the higher diffusion constant, which is attributed to the change of surface properties of nanotubes. Furthermore, the incorporation of SWCNT-APTES improved the storage modulus of the nanocomposites compared with that of neat PBS. The PBS/SWCNT-APTES nanocomposites after hydrolysis showed of higher tensile strength than PBS/SWCNT-APTES nanocomposite without hydrolysis.     

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.     

Synthesis and characterization of multiwall carbon nanotube/waterborne polyurethane nanocomposites

The preparation of thermoplastic nanocomposites of waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via an in situ polymerization approach is presented. The effects of the presence and content of MWCNTs on the morphology and thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. Carbon nanotubes were modified with amide groups in order to enhance their chemical affinity towards WBPU. Thermogravimetric studies show enhanced thermal stability of the nanocomposites. Scanning and transmission electronic microscopy images prove that functionalized carbon nanotubes can be effectively dispersed in WBPU matrix. Mechanical properties reveal that Young's modulus and tensile strength tend to increase when appropriate amounts of MWCNTs are loaded due to the reinforcing effect of the functionalized carbon nanotubes. Thermal properties show an increase in the glass transition temperature and storage modulus with an increase in MWCNT content. X‐ray diffraction reveals better crystallization of the WBPU in the presence of MWCNTs. The WBPU/MWCNT nanocomposite film containing 1 wt% of MWCNTs exhibits a conductivity nearly five orders of magnitude higher than that of WBPU film. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Polymeric nanocomposite films from functionalized vs suspended single-walled carbon nanotubes

The reported work was to demonstrate that the defect-derived photoluminescence in functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes could be exploited in probing the dispersion of these nanotubes in polymeric nanocomposites because the luminescence emissions are sensitive to the degree of nanotube bundling and surface modification. The polyimide-SWNT nanocomposite thin films obtained from nanotubes with and without functionalization were compared. The spectroscopic results suggest that despite a similar visual appearance in the two kinds of films, the nanotube dispersion must be significantly better in the film with functionalized nanotubes, as reflected by the strong photoluminescence. In fact, the nanotubes embedded in polymer matrix that can be readily characterized by Raman spectroscopy are non-luminescent, while those that are difficult for Raman are strongly luminescent. Therefore, Raman and photoluminescence serve as complementary tools in the investigation of nanocomposites concerning the nanotube dispersion-related properties.     

A facile synthesis of a novel optoelectric material: a nanocomposite of SWCNT/ZnO nanostructures embedded in sulfonated polyaniline

Functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (f-SWCNTs) hybridized with freshly prepared zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals have been found to be good luminescent material with tuned emission properties. A three-phase nanocomposite of sulfonated polyaniline embedded with such SWCNT/ZnO nanostructures has been prepared by a simple solution mixing chemical process and characterized by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The study of UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies reveal that the ternary polymer nanocomposite is a luminescent material with enhanced emission intensity. Also an increase in DC conductivity indicates that the nanocomposite is also a good conductive material, satisfying Mott’s variable range hopping model for a two-dimensional conduction. Such a three-phase nanocomposite may find extensive application in dye-sensitized solar cells, sensors, and supercapacitors.