Bent-shape effects of multi-walled carbon nanotube on the electrical conductivity and rheological properties of polycarbonate/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

In this study, polycarbonate (PC)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nancomposites have been prepared by pretreating MWCNT solutions with ultrasonication. We demonstrate that the electrical conductivity and rheological properties of PC/MWCNT nanocomposites strongly depend on the mesoscopic shape factor (l_sp/d), which is represented by the ratio between the static bending persistence length (l_sp) and outer diameter (d) of the MWCNT. The electrical conductivity of PC/MWCNT nanocomposites increases linearly with increasing (l_sp/d)² and the percolation threshold of PC/MWCNT nanocomposites decreases linearly with increasing (l_sp/d)² of MWCNTs. The storage modulus of PC/MWCNT nanocomposites increases linearly with increasing (l_sp/d)² of MWCNTs at all frequency ranges.     

Preparation of humidity-responsive antistatic carbon nanotube/PEI nanocomposites

A kind of polymer with antistatic property, poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) (PDEAAm), was grafted onto the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and then such PDEAAm-g-MWCNTs was introduced into polyetherimide (PEI). The successful grafting was tested by FT-IR, XPS and TEM results, and the weight fraction of PDEAAm on the PDEAAm-g-MWCNTs was calculated according to the XPS and TGA. The PDEAAm-g-MWCNTs/PEI nanocomposites films were prepared by conventional solution processed method. The conductivity of nanocomposites increased by four orders of magnitude after absorbing moisture. The nanocomposites achieved the percolation threshold with the PDEAAm-g-MWCNTs loading of 0.25 wt.% and the volume conductivity reached 10⁻⁷ S/cm. Dynamic response and long-term stability test indicated good response sensitivity and stability property of this material. Thereby, such PDEAAm-g-MWCNTs/PEI nanocomposites had potential applications as passive humidity sensors.     

原位生长碳纳米管对炭/炭复合材料导热性能的影响

以炭纤维表面原位生长有碳纳米管(Carbon nanotubes,CNTs)的针刺毡体作为前驱体制备出生长有CNTs的炭/炭复合材料,并与在同样工艺条件下通过致密化最终热处理得到的纯炭/炭复合材料进行对比.结果表明,在密度几乎相同的情况下,生长有CNTs的炭/炭复合材料的室温Z轴热导率约为11.10 W/(m·K),几乎为纯炭/炭复合材料的室温Z轴热导率(6.28 W/(m·K))的2倍,其原因可能在于CNTs可以有效改善炭纤维和热解炭之间的界面特性,明显减少炭/炭复合材料中纤维和热解炭界面处周裂纹的出现,还可以诱导热解炭形成一种拥有更高导热率更易石墨化的粗糙结构.     

The effect of the carbon nanotubes surface oxidation on the morphology and properties of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) coated multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocables

This article describes the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) outer surface oxidation on the morphology and properties of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PNVC)-coated individual multi-walled CNT (MWCNT) nanocables. Surface oxidation of MWCNTs has been carried out by refluxing MWCNTs with 5 M nitric acid (HNO₃) at 80 °C for 1 h. The PNVC-coated MWCNT nanocables are synthesized by in situ solid-state polymerization of N-vinylcarbazole monomers in the presence of oxidised MWCNTs (o-MWCNTs) at an elevated temperature. The PNVC-coated MWCNT nanocables are characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning and transmission electron microscopes, photo-luminescence spectroscopy, and direct-current conductivity measurements. Results show that the uniform nanolayer coating of PNVC decreases the inherent bulk conductivity of MWCNTs, but significantly increases the optical properties of MWCNTs.     

多壁纳米碳管／Cu基复合材料的摩擦磨损特性

利用销－盘式磨损试验机研究了粉末冶金法制备的多壁纳米碳管／Cu基复合材料的稳态摩擦磨损行为,并用扫描电镜分析了复合材料的磨损形貌。结果表明：多壁纳米碳管／Cu基复合材料具有较小的摩擦系数,并随纳米碳管质量分数的增加而逐渐降低;由于复合材料中纳米碳管的增强和减摩作用,在低载荷和中等载荷作用下,随着纳米碳管质量分数的增加,复合材料的磨损率减小;而在高载荷作用下,由于发生表面开裂和片状层剥落,含纳米碳管质量分数高的复合材料的磨损率增高。     

碳纳米管增强铜基复合材料的制备、力学性能及电导率

以CNTs、电解Cu粉、Cu(CH_3COO)_2·H_2O为原料,采用混酸处理、分子水平法结合行星球磨两步混合工艺制备含0.5%～2%(质量分数)CNTs的Cu基复合粉末,然后通过放电等离子烧结技术制备了Cu-CNTs复合材料,探讨了制备工艺及CNTs含量对Cu-CNTs复合材料的组织、电导率和力学性能的影响规律。结果表明:当CNTs含量小于1.0%时,采用两步混粉工艺制备的Cu-CNTs复合粉体均匀性、分散性良好,经烧结后可获得致密度高、CNTs分布均匀的Cu-CNTs复合材料;当CNTs含量大于1.0%时,复合材料的致密度及CNTs分布均匀性明显降低;随CNTs含量的提高,复合材料的强度先升高后降低,塑性和电导率趋于降低;相对高能球磨、分子水平法等单一混粉工艺而言,两步法制备的Cu-1.0%CNTs复合材料综合性能更优,其电导率为51.7 MS/m(89.1%IACS),维氏硬度为1130 MPa,抗拉强度为279 MPa,断后伸长率为9.8%。     

The production of a multi-walled carbon nanotube/hexamethylene diisocyanate nanocomposite coating on copper by electrophoretic deposition

A multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) composite coating with excellent microstructural homogeneity was produced on copper substrate from aqueous suspensions using electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The concentrations of different additives were optimized to obtain stable suspensions of MWCNT. At the optimum EPD condition, a coating of thickness 170 μm was obtained at voltage of 30 V and deposition time of 3 min with well dispersed MWCNT in the polymer matrix. The deposit yield increased linearly with deposition time. The adhesive strength of the MWCNT/HDI composite coating was assessed qualitatively by peel test. The composite coated specimen showed greater resistance to corrosion in the chloride containing environment with inhibiting efficiency 96.65%. The mechanism for adhered coating is due to better wetting of HDI on copper substrate followed by acid-base reaction between metal hydroxide and polymeric resin. The potential application of the nanocomposite coatings could be protecting copper based metallic structure in marine environment.     

Synthesis of manganese oxide/carbon nanotube nanocomposites using wet chemical method

Novel material with peculiar properties can be obtained by introducing foreign materials into the inner cavity of carbon nanotubes. It has been suggested that the materials encapsulated into the hollow regions of carbon nanotubes could result in a significant change of the properties of these small particles, forming new hybrid composites with extraordinary properties. In this short communication, filling of carbon nanotubes with manganese oxide by wet chemical method is demonstrated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) result showed the hollow structure of carbon nanotubes were filled with manganese oxide. Energy dispersive X-rays (EDX) spectra elucidate the presence of manganese oxide in the filled carbon nanotubes whereas SEM result showed that manganese oxide is not crystallized at the outer surface of carbon nanotubes.     

Structural interpretations of deformation and fracture behavior of polypropylene/multi-walled carbon nanotube composites

The deformation and crack resistance behavior of polypropylene (PP) multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) composites have been studied and their interrelation to the structural attributes studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarization light microscopy has been discussed. The composites were produced from industrial available MWNT by extrusion melt-mixing and injection-molding. In stress–strain measurements a strong increase in the yield stress and the Young’s modulus at low MWNT contents has been observed, which was attributed to an efficient load transfer between the carbon nanotubes and polypropylene matrix through a good polymer–nanotube adhesion as indicated by SEM. The extent of enhancement in mechanical properties above 1.5 wt.% of MWNT decreased due to an apparently increased tendency of clustering of carbon nanotubes. Several theoretical models have been taken into account to explain the mechanical properties and to demonstrate the applicability of such models to the system under investigation. The crack resistance behavior has been studied with the essential work of fracture (EWF) approach based on post-yield fracture mechanics (PYFM) concept. A maximum in the non-essential work of fracture was observed at 0.5 wt.% MWNT demonstrating enhanced toughness compared to pure PP, followed by a sharp decline as the MWNT content was increased to 1.5 wt.% reveals a ductile-to-semi-ductile transition. Studies on the kinetics of crack propagation aspects have revealed a qualitative picture of the nature of such a transition in the fracture modes.     

Behavior of mixed multi-walled carbon nanotube/P3HT monolayer at the air/water interface

The sidewall structure of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was successfully functionalized with poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) by a non-covalent bond method. P3HT plays an important role in dispersing MWNTs, and assists them to have a stable existence at the air/water interface. The behavior of mixed MWNT/P3HT monolayer at the air/water interface was investigated after obtaining a homogeneously dispersed solution. The effect of MWNT concentration on the mixed MWNT/P3HT monolayer was investigated using the pressure–area (π–A) isotherm, relaxation curve and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mixed MWNT/P3HT monolayer was transferred onto a solid substrate using the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique with horizontal or vertical deposition. The multilayer film was delicately fabricated by repeated deposition of the ultra-thin film. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed non-uniformity in morphology of the ultra-thin MWNT/P3HT films. The absorption intensity at 250 nm by UV/vis spectroscopy illustrates that a uniform formation of mixed MWNT/P3HT monolayer into multilayer film was successfully obtained by horizontal deposition. The current–voltage characteristic of the ultra-thin MWNT/P3HT film shows that the current increases linearly with the increasing voltage, which indicates that MWNT/P3HT film forms an ohmic contact with gold. And, the electric current was estimated to be mainly contributed by MWNTs.     

In-situ electrochemical polymerization of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polyaniline composite films for electrochemical supercapacitors

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polyaniline (PANI) composite films were prepared by in-situ electrochemical polymerization of an aniline solution containing different MWCNT contents. The supercapacitive behaviors of these films were investigated with cyclic voltammetry (CV), charge–discharge tests, and ac impedance spectroscopy. The results revealed that the MWCNT/PANI films show much higher specific capacitance (SC), better power characteristic, better cyclic stability, and more promising for applications in supercapacitors than a pure PANI film electrode. The highest specific capacitance value of 500 F g^?1 was obtained for the MWCNT/PANI composite film containing MWCNT of 0.8 wt.%. The improvement mechanisms of the capacitance of the composites are also discussed in detail.     

Preparation and magnetic property of multi-walled carbon nanotube/a-Fe2O3 composites

In order to attain new functional nanomaterials with good magnetic property, multi-walled carbon nanotubes/hematite (MWNTs/α-Fe₂O₃) composites were synthesized using the co-deposition method. MWNTs/α-Fe₂O₃ composites were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), Raman spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The experimental results show that the structure and magnetic properties of the MWNTs/α-Fe₂O₃ composites are related to the heat treatment temperature. MWNTs are modified by α-Fe₂O₃ nano-particles and α-Fe₂O₃ nanorods with a diameter of 10?50 nm after being treated at 450 °C. When the heat treatment temperature exceeds 600 °C, MWNTs are only modified by Fe₃O₄ particles. Furthermore, the MWNTs composites treated at 450 °C and 600 °C have good magnetic behaviour.     

Effect of temperature and moisture on electrical conductivity in polyaniline/polyurethane (PANI/PU) blends

Miscible blend of conductive polyaniline/polyurethane (PANI/PU) showed preferable electrical property at low percolation threshold compared to immiscible blend of PANI/polystyrene-isoprene-copolymer (PANI/SIS) and carbon black/PU composite (CB/PU). The time dependence of the electrical conductivity was investigated with these samples aged under different humidity and temperatures. The electrical conductivity of PANI/PU (11.5/88.5, v/v) decreased with aging time and the morphology changed with time in the coexistence of high moisture and high temperature. After the aging treatment, the film of the miscible blend was re-dissolved and re-cast. The morphology and electrical conductivity were found to recover to the same state as the original film. In addition, the recovery mechanism of the morphology and the conductivity was also proposed here.     

An electrochemical study of the synthesis and properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube/poly ortho aminophenol composites

Composites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and poly ortho aminophenol (POAP) with good uniformity for use as electrodes in electrochemical capacitors were prepared by electropolymerization by using the ionic surfactant as electrolyte, for dispersing CNTs within conducting polymer/carbon nanotube composite films. The capacitance properties were investigated with cyclic voltammetry (CV), discharge tests and ac impedance spectroscopy. The composite electrode shows much higher specific capacitance, better power characteristics and is more promising for application in the capacitor than a pure POAP electrode. The effect and role of MWCNT in the composite electrode are discussed in detail. In comparison with a Ni–POAP/glassy carbon (GC), a Ni–MWCNT–POAP/GC electrode shows a better catalytic performance for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol.     

碳纳米管/四氧化三铁复合材料的磁性能和电催化性能

采用水热法制备碳纳米管(MWCNT)/四氧化三铁(Fe3O4)复合材料,运用透射电子显微镜(TEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)、傅立叶红外吸收光谱(FTIR)、振动样品磁强计(VSM)以及循环伏安法等对复合材料的微观结构、磁性能以及电化学行为进行研究和分析。结果表明:在MWCNT/Fe3O4复合材料中,磁性Fe3O4纳米颗粒能够对MWCNTs表面较好的包覆,实现了Fe3O4对MWCNTs的表面修饰;Fe3O4含量(质量分数)为62.5%的复合材料容易被磁化,常温下其饱和磁化强度(Ms)为35.89 A·m2/kg,矫顽力(Hc)为0.19 A/m,表现出良好的顺磁性;MWCNTs/Fe3O4修饰玻碳(GC)电极对H2O2的电化学响应具有良好的促进作用,使其氧化还原过电位升高,氧化峰值电流显著增强。     

Electrochemical characteristics of hydrothermally deposited nickel hydroxide on multi-walled carbon nanotube for supercapacitor electrode

Supercapacitor performance of nickel hydroxide powder electrode with different carbon conductor and nickel hydroxide/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite electrode had been studied by cyclic voltammetic method in 6 M KOH solution. Active carbon, Superp, Ketjen Black and multi-walled carbon nanotube were used as carbon conductor in nickel hydroxide powder electrode. It showed that multi-walled carbon nanotube conductor can bring good performance for nickel hydroxide powder supercapacitor electrode. Moreover, nickel hydroxide/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite was fabricated by hydrothermal method, using as supercapacitor electrode. Our findings show that 10 wt% nickel hydroxide loading on multi-walled carbon nanotube has good power performance. The capacitances for 10 wt% nickel hydroxide loading amount at high scan rate 100 and 500 mV/s were 221 and 118 F/g, respectively. Nickel hydroxide evenly loaded onto multi-walled carbon nanotube composite electrode has good conductivity and can contribute more capacitance.     

Tunneling effect in a polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposite strain sensor

A strain sensor has been fabricated from a polymer nanocomposite with multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) fillers. The piezoresistivity of this nanocomposite strain sensor has been investigated based on an improved three-dimensional (3D) statistical resistor network model incorporating the tunneling effect between the neighboring carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a fiber reorientation model. The numerical results agree very well with the experimental measurements. As compared with traditional strain gauges, much higher sensitivity can be obtained in the nanocomposite sensors when the volume fraction of CNT is close to the percolation threshold. For a small CNT volume fraction, weak nonlinear piezoresistivity is observed both experimentally and from numerical simulation. The tunneling effect is considered to be the principal mechanism of the sensor under small strains.