Synthesis of polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites in water/oil microemulsion

A water/oil microemulsion system having been successfully used for synthesizing polyaniline(PANi) nanoparticles, was employed for preparing PANi/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites via in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The structures and the electrical property of PANi/MWCNT nanocomposites were also studied. The studies showed that PANi could coat MWCNTs to form nanocables with core-shell structure, and the backbone structure of PANi was not damaged by the introduction of MWCNTs. The conductivities of PANi/MWCNT nanocomposites were higher than that of PANi. Moreover, a model was supposed to be used for describing a PANi/MWCNT nanocable formation by in situ microemulsion polymerization.     

Thermoelectric behavior of aerogels based on graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

In this work, we presented that the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity can be increased simultaneously in aerogels based on graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotube (graphene-MWCNT) nanocomposites, and at the same time the thermal conductivity is depressed due to 3D porous skeleton structure. As a result, graphene-MWCNT aerogels possess ultra-low thermal conductivities (∼0.056 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹) and apparent density (∼24 kg m⁻³), thereafter the figure of merit (ZT) of ∼0.001 is achieved. Although the ZT value is too low for practical application as a thermoelectric (TE) material, the unique structure in this project provides a potential way to overcome the challenge in bulk semiconductors that increasing electrical conductivity generally leads to decreased Seebeck coefficient and enhanced thermal conductivity.     

Electrical properties of polyaniline and multi-walled carbon nanotube hybrid fibers

We have fabricated for the first time one-dimensional multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposite fibers with improved electrical properties using electrospinning. Polyaniline (PANi) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were used as a conducting and a nonconducting matrix, respectively, for hybrid nanofibers including MWNTs. The hybrid nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning had a length of several centimeters and a diameter ranging from approximately 100 nm to approximately 1 microm. Transmission electron microscopic analysis confirmed that the MWNTs were successfully oriented along the fiber axis without any severe aggregation during electrospinning. The hybrid nanofibers showed an enhanced electrical conductance with increasing MWNT content up to 0.5 wt%, and compared to PANi/PEO fibers, they also showed a stable linear ohmic behavior. These hybrid conducting nanofibers can be applied to chemical and biosensors that require a high sensitivity.     

Ultrasonically prepared polystyrene/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Polystyrene (PS) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposites were synthesized via an in situ bulk polymerization by employing an ultrasonicator without adding an initiator, in which the ultrasonication was found to do a favor in producing well-dispersed MWNT in the PS matrix. Morphology of the as-synthesized PS/MWNT nanocomposite was investigated by both scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Electrical conductivity of the PS/MWNT nanocomposite film fabricated by a solvent casting method was also examined to be enhanced with MWNT content, while average molecular weights of the synthesized PS in the PS/MWNT nanocomposites analyzed by a gel permeation chromatography increased and then saturated at 2 wt% MWNT. Rheological properties of MWNT containing PS were enhanced because of improved dispersion of the MWNT through an interaction between MWNT and PS.     

Mixed mode brittle fracture in epoxy/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

The effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on fracture behavior of epoxy under mixed mode I/II loading have been studied. A number of test specimens based on different contents of MWNTs were prepared and the fracture tests were carried out. The increase in fracture resistance of the nanocomposite depended on the mode mixity. To find the reason, the fracture mechanisms in different modes of fracture were studied by examination of the fracture surfaces. It was found that in addition to the mechanisms, which contribute in mode I fracture, some extra mechanisms participate in mixed mode and mode II loading.     

Structure and properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube porous sheets with enhanced elongation

In this article, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) porous sheet networks (PSNs) of enhanced extensibility were developed and characterized. The MWNT/DBSA networks possess failure strains of 8–12 %, markedly higher than the literature reported values of 0.5–4 %. The networks were prepared through micro-filtration of highly dispersed MWNT in DBSA aqueous solutions. The DBSA molecule has two functions: In the dispersion stage, DBSA functions as a dispersant leading to the establishment of stable individually dispersed MWNT, and in the MWNT porous sheet, the presence of DBSA within the nanotubes’ network creates a lubrication-like effect, enhancing the networks’ extensibility. In fact, it was found that DBSA is assembled in two modes within the nanotubes’ network: a fraction which is strongly adsorbed onto the CNT surface, and another fraction entrapped within the network as a DBSA/water solution. It should be noted that the composition of these systems is stable under ambient room temperature conditions. Comparison of MWNT networks prepared from the MWNT/DBSA dispersions and from the same but coagulated before filtration has shown superiority of the non-coagulated systems in relation to structure and mechanical properties. The prepared MWNT/DBSA PSNs of enhanced extensibility were developed without any modification by polymers, and they are characterized by high electrical conductivity and nano-porosity.     

Mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube/epoxy composites

Untreated and acid-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were used to fabricate MWNT/epoxy composite samples by sonication technique. The effect of MWNT addition and their surface modification on the mechanical properties were investigated. Modified Halpin–Tasi equation was used to evaluate the Young’s modulus and tensile strength of the MWNT/epoxy composite samples by the incorporation of an orientation as well as an exponential shape factor in the equation. There was a good correlation between the experimentally obtained Young’s modulus and tensile strength values and the modified Halpin–Tsai theory. The fracture surfaces of MWNT/epoxy composite samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope.     

Thermoelectric measurement of multi-walled carbon nanotube bundles by using nano-probes

We report here a method for measurement of thermoelectric power of quasi-one dimensional nano-materials with a simple platform, where individual nanomaterial is assembled with nano-probes in a scanning electron microscope. This approach allows repeated manipulation and thermoelectric measurement of the same loaded nanosample with adjustable number of individual nanotubes or nanowires. It also allows assembly of multiple samples on one measurement stage. For multi-walled carbon nanotube bundles, we have observed a weak trend that, when the number of individual tubes in a bundle varies from ten millions to around a hundred thousand, the thermoelectric power almost remains at around 10 microV/K. When the tube number in the bundle is further reduced, the up-limit of the thermoelectric power gradually increases to a value near 20 microV/K.     

Thermoelectric properties of carbon nanotube/silicone rubber composites

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we have studied the relevant physical quantities to the figure of merit of carbon nanotube (CNT)/polydimethylsiloxane composites at different loadings, and found that with increasing the CNT loadings, the electrical conductivity jumps several orders in magnitude at ‘threshold’, followed by a saturated plateau, and the Seebeck coefficient decreases by a small margin, and the thermal conductivity increases somewhat. According to the formula of the figure of merit, it is found that higher loading composites display a larger figure of merit. We hope the present study provides a new path to high-performance flexible thermoelectric materials.     

Synthesis and characterization of externally doped sulfonated polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube composites

Composites of carbon nanotubes with attached carboxylic groups (c-MWCNTs) and water-soluble externally doped sulfonated polyaniline (ED-SPANI) were prepared by solution mixing of c-MWCNT and ED-SPANI aqueous colloids. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy, field-emission scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize their structure and morphology. Raman and UV–Vis spectra revealed the presence of electrostatic interaction between the C–N⁺ species of the ED-SPANI and the COO⁻ species of the c-MWCNTs. The addition of c-MWCNT to ED-SPANI can improve its thermal stability. The conductivity of 3 wt.% ED-SPANI/c-MWCNT composites at room temperature is sixteen times higher than that of ED-SPANI. These results demonstrate that the addition of a small number of c-MWCNTs to an ED-SPANI matrix can form a conducting network in well dispersed composites, thus increasing their electrical conductivity.     

Mechanical,tribological and heat resistant properties of fluorinated multi-walled carbon nanotube/bismaleimide/cyanate resin nanocomposites

Bismaleimide containing cyanate resin(BMI/CE) pre-ploymer was used as resin matrix. Fluorinated multiwalled carbon nanotubes(F-MWCNTs) were used as fillers to prepare F-MWCNT/BMI/CE nanocomposites via a solution intercalation method. The influence of F-MWCNT content on the mechanical, tribological and heat resistant properties of the nanocomposites was investigated. The morphology of the fracture surface and the wear surface of nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy.Results show that the addition of F-MWCNTs is beneficial to improving the mechanical and tribological properties of the nanocomposites. It's worth noting that when the content of F-MWNTs was 0.6 wt%, the performances of nanocomposite are optimized(i.e., highest impact strength, lowest frictional coefficient and wear rate). In addition, the nanocomposites exhibit good thermal stability in comparison with BMI/CE.     

Masterbatch-based multi-walled carbon nanotube filled polypropylene nanocomposites: Assessment of rheological and mechanical properties

Polypropylene (PP)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) nanocomposites were prepared by diluting a PP/MWNT masterbatch by melt compounding with a twin screw extruder and prepared nanocomposites were characterized for their rheological, mechanical and morphological properties in terms of MWNT loading. The rheological results showed that the materials experience a fluid–solid transition at the composition of 2 wt.%, beyond which a continuous MWNT network forms throughout the matrix and in turn promotes the reinforcement. The tensile modulus and yield stress of the nanocomposites are substantially increased relative to the neat polypropylene. Nanotube reinforcement thus enhanced the yield stress, while reducing the ductility. The same behavior is observed in flexural tests. Charpy impact resistance of the notched samples increases slightly by the addition of MWNT, while impact resistance for the un-notched samples decreases with the addition of MWNTs. Finally, optimum in mechanical properties was observed at 2 wt.% MWNTs, which is near the rheological percolation threshold. From transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, it was observed that nanotubes are distributed reasonably uniformly indicating a good dispersion of nanotubes in the PP matrix. These results reveal that, preparation of nanocomposites from masterbatch dilution is an excellent method to obtain well-dispersed CNTs, while limiting the handling difficulties in plastics processing industrial workshops.     

Ethanol-sensing properties of potassium bromide/multi-walled carbon nanotube composites

The work reported in this paper is related to the fabrication and electrical characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT)-based solid composites pellets with potential application as gas sensor at room temperature, using potassium bromide as supporting material. Results show an electrical conductivity of the composites as a function of the MWNT loading following a power law associated with a percolation phenomenon. A variation of the electrical resistance of the composites as a function of ethanol concentration in a nitrogen atmosphere has also been observed, allowing detection of ethanol from about hundred of ppm. It is also shown the existence of an optimal MWNT loading for which the composite reaches its best ethanol-sensing performances.     

Thermal stability and electrical properties of dodecyl-benzene-sulfonic-acid doped nanocomposites of polyaniline and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Electrically conductive dodecyl-benzene-sulfonic-acid (DBSA) doped polyaniline (Pani) nanocomposites were prepared with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of different amounts of MWCNTs. The stability of the nanocomposites in terms of DC electrical conductivity retention was studied in ambient atmosphere by isothermal accelerated aging and cyclic accelerated aging techniques. The MWCNT/Pani nanocomposites were observed to be thermally more stable under ambient environmental conditions than Pani. Such nanocomposites with high thermal stability may find a place as future materials for the replacement for Pani.     

Electrochemical fabrication of polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite films for electrooxidation of methanol

Polyaniline (PANI)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) composite films were fabricated by electropolymerization of aniline containing well-dissolved MWNTs. The films can be used as catalyst supports for electro-oxidation of methanol. Cyclic voltammogram and Chronoamperogram results show that platinum particles deposited on PANI/MWNT composite films exhibit higher electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation than that deposited on pure PANI films. The porous structure and electrical conductivity of PANI films has been significantly changed by introduction of MWNTs, higher surface areas of PANI/MWNT composites has been achieved therefore. It favors for platinum particles to be highly dispersed on the PANI/MWNT composite films and the better electrocatalytic activity of Pt/PANI/MWNT electrode is induced consequently.     

Thermal stability and electrical properties of dodecyl-benzene-sulfonic-acid doped nanocomposites of polyaniline and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Electrically conductive dodecyl-benzene-sulfonic-acid (DBSA) doped polyaniline (Pani) nanocomposites were prepared with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of different amounts of MWCNTs. The stability of the nanocomposites in terms of DC electrical conductivity retention was studied in ambient atmosphere by isothermal accelerated aging and cyclic accelerated aging techniques. The MWCNT/Pani nanocomposites were observed to be thermally more stable under ambient environmental conditions than Pani. Such nanocomposites with high thermal stability may find a place as future materials for the replacement for Pani.     

Syndiotactic polystyrene/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites: Polymorphism,thermal properties,electrical conductivity,and rheological properties

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposites were prepared using a melt mixing technique. SEM images demonstrated the fine dispersion of MWNTs through the sPS matrix. DSC results illustrated that the MWNTs facilitated the nucleation of sPS (up to ca. 12.2 °C increase), but retarded the subsequent crystals growth. Based on the Avrami analysis, the dimension of sPS crystals growth in the composites decreased because of the effects of extensive nucleation and the formation of a nanoconfined/constrained environment from the MWNTs. XRD data confirmed that the presence of MWNTs facilitated the formation of β-form sPS crystals. The thermal stability of sPS improved to approximately 31 °C at 3 phr of MWNT loading. A rheological percolation threshold between an MWNT loading of 0.5 and 1 phr was determined by measuring the rheological properties of the samples. The incorporation of MWNTs reduced the electrical resistivity of sPS by 10 orders of magnitude.