Chemical surface coating of MWCNTs with riboflavin and its application for the production of poly(ester‐imide)/MWCNTs composites containing 4,4′‐thiobis(2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol) linkages: Thermal and morphological properties

In this work, carboxylated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with riboflavin as a biological molecule under microwave irradiation. Solution blending method was used to incorporate different modified MWCNTs content (5, 10, and 15 wt %) into a chiral and biodegradable poly(ester‐imide) (PEI) to fabricate PEI‐based nanocomposites. The products were characterized for assessing the spectroscopic, thermal, and morphological properties by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Optically active PEI was prepared by step‐growth polymerization of amino‐acid‐based diacid and aromatic diol. Functionalized MWCNTs were well dispersed in the PEI matrix and their distribution was homogeneous. This was confirmed by morphology study of the fractured surfaces of nanocomposites by FESEM and TEM. The addition of functionalized MWCNTs improved the thermal stability of NCs compared to the pure PEI. It was found from TGA data that temperature at 10% weight loss was increased from 409°C for pure PEI to 417, 420, and 424°C for nanocomposites containing 5, 10, and 15% functionalized MWCNTs, respectively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 42908.     

“Binary salt” of hexane‐1,6‐diaminium adipate and “carbon nanotubate” as a synthetic precursor of carbon nanotube/Nylon‐6,6 hybrid materials

A novel chemical approach was established to produce carbon nanotube/Nylon‐6,6 hybrid materials from readily available substrates, that is, Nylon‐6,6 salt and oxidized multiwall carbon nanotubes (O‐MWCNTs). The key synthetic precursor hexane‐1,6‐diaminium adipate and “carbon nanotubate”—“Binary nanotube salt”—was obtained and isolated as stable and easy‐to‐handle solid in over 80% yield and with no nanotube losses. The final hybrid materials of various nanotube loadings were synthesized at 270°C and were easily purified from the homopolymer. Purified hybrids were comprehensively analyzed (yields and grafting ratios, SEM, TEM, FT‐IR) revealing a two‐phase characteristics—individually grafted nanotubes and cross‐linked nanotube material. Isothermal TGA kinetic studies showed that in the “binary salts” diamine and diacid molecules were anchored to the nanotube outer shells and then held electrostatically enabling growth of polymer immobilized on O‐MWCNTs (“grafting‐from” mechanism). Depending on the density and type of nanotube functionalities and filler concentration in the “binary salt,” the O‐MWCNT/Nylon‐6,6 hybrids can be treated as hybrid material of a proportion of aliphatic polyamide and polyaramide properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:523–529, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Electrical and rheological percolation in poly(vinylidene fluoride)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared through melt blending in a batch mixer (torque rheometer equipped with a mixing chamber). The morphology, rheological behavior and electrical conductivity were investigated through transmission electron microscopy, dynamic oscillatory rheometry and the two‐probe method. The nanocomposite with 0.5 wt% MWCNT content presented a uniform dispersion through the PVDF matrix, whereas that with 1 wt% started to present a percolated network. For the nanocomposites with 2 and 5 wt% MWCNTs the formation of this nanotube network was clearly evident. The electrical percolation threshold at room temperature found for this system was about 1.2 wt% MWCNTs. The rheological percolation threshold fitted from viscosity was about 1 wt%, while the threshold fitted from storage modulus was 0.9 wt%. Thus fewer nanotubes are needed to approach the rheological percolation threshold than the electrical percolation threshold. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation and thermal properties of bio‐based gallic acid epoxy/carbon nanotubes composites by cationic ring‐opening reaction

In order to prepare the bio‐based polymeric materials, a gallic acid epoxy resin (GA‐ER) is synthesized by using biodegradable gallic acid, and the nanocomposites of GA‐ER/glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by dual hybrid cationic ring‐opening reaction. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results show that the curing reaction temperature of the nanocomposites is between 150 and 225°C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results suggest that MWCNTs are homodispersing in the GA‐ER/GMA matrix when the MWCNTs content is not more than 1.0 wt%. The glass transition temperature of the nanocomposite with 0.5 wt% MWCNTs is 9.3°C higher than that of pure resin system. The initial thermal degradation temperature and degradation activation energies E_a of the nanocomposite with 1.0 wt% MWCNTs is 10°C and 68.6 kJ/mol higher than that the pure resin system, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3093–3102, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Functionalized multi‐wall carbon nanotubes/silicone rubber composite as capacitive humidity sensor

Functionalized multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) treated by mixed acids have been used to develop a capacitive humidity sensor based on MWCNTs/silicone rubber (SR) composite film. The MWCNTs/SR composites were prepared through conventional solution processed method. The micrographs of MWCNTs/SR composites were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope. The FT‐IR spectra demonstrated the successfully grafting of ? OH groups on the treated MWCNTs. The sensing properties of the composite at different relative humidity (RH) and frequency were characterized and linear sensing responses of the MWCNTs/SR composites to RH were observed. The treated MWCNTs/SR composite film (Tr‐film) had higher sensitivity than that of the untreated MWCNTs/SR composite film (Un‐film). Experimental data indicate that the Tr‐film exhibits an excellent long‐term stability, small hysteresis, and fine reproducibility. The response and recovery time of the Tr‐film were 30 and 27 s, respectively. Thereby, such Tr‐film had potential applications as humidity sensors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40342.     

Multiwall‐carbon‐nanotube‐reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites by melt compounding

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites reinforced with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared through melt compounding in a twin‐screw extruder. The presence of MWCNTs, which acted as good nucleating agents, enhanced the crystallization of PET through heterogeneous nucleation. The incorporation of a small quantity of MWCNTs improved the thermal stability of the PET/MWCNT nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of the PET/MWCNT nanocomposites increased with even a small quantity of MWCNTs. There was a significant dependence of the rheological properties of the PET/MWCNT nanocomposites on the MWCNT content. The MWCNT loading increased the shear‐thinning nature of the polymer‐nanocomposite melt. The storage modulus and loss modulus of the PET/MWCNT nanocomposites increased with increasing frequency, and this increment effect was more pronounced at lower frequencies. At higher MWCNT contents, the dominant nanotube–nanotube interactions led to the formation of interconnected or networklike structures of MWCNTs in the PET/MWCNT nanocomposites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1450–1457, 2007     

Injection‐molded parts of polypropylene/multi‐wall carbon nanotubes composites with an electrically conductive tridimensional network

Polypropylene‐based composites filled with multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), ranging from 1 to 6 wt%, were obtained by injection molding from a previous masterbatch compounded by twin‐screw extrusion (TSE). Resultant electrical percolation phenomenon was related to the ultrathin structure of the carbon‐based fillers and the high dispersion achieved in the thermoplastic matrix. In particular, conductivity experiments showed a threshold value of 3 wt% (1.3 vol%) of MWCNTs for percolation to occur. Electrical percolation was achieved as a result of the formation of an interconnected three‐dimensional structure compromising a top average inter‐nanotube distance of about 493 nm among isolated nanotubes in polypropylene. The current work is hoped to bear significance toward understanding of the electrical performance for industrial ultrathin carbon black‐based polyolefin composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:488–496, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis and characterization of highly dispersed multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/polyvinylpyrrolidone composite nanofibers for EMI shielding application

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composite nanofibers having varying amounts of MWCNTs were fabricated with an aim to investigate the potential of such nanofibers as an effective light weight electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz (X‐band). The state of dispersion of MWCNTs in PVP matrix was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TEM and SEM analyses confirmed the presence of individual dispersion MWCNTs encapsulated within the electrospun nanofibers and showed MWCNTs/PVP composite nanofiber morphologies with diameters of 150–600 nm. Moreover, the MWCNTs/PVP composite nanofibers were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectrophotometer. The thermal stability of composite nanofibers studied from thermogravimetric analysis was increased after addition of MWCNTs to PVP matrix. The EMI shielding efficiency of MWCNTs/PVP composite nanofibers increased up to 42 dB. The MWCNTs/PVP composite nanofibers developed in this study have benefits in being light weight and having effective EMI shielding performance and can be best candidates for a broad range of electronic applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2026–2034, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

In situ photopolymerization of PEGDA‐protein hydrogels on nanotube surfaces

Peptide nanotubes were used as templates for the growth of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate‐based nanoscale hydrogels via photopolymerization. A Rose Bengal di‐amine derivative comprised of a photoactivator and coinitiator within the same molecule was used as the photoinitiator to increase photopolymerization efficiency. The nanotubes were covalently bound to the protein BSA before formation of the hydrogels. We also examined the photopolymerization efficiency in reactions involving nanotubes in the absence of BSA. Although photopolymerization occurred efficiently under both conditions, higher yields of highly crosslinked nanostructures were obtained for the protein bound nanotube‐PEGDA hydrogels. It was observed that the swelling ratios were also dependent upon whether or not BSA was bound to the nanotubes before photopolymerization. The thermal properties of the nanocomposite hydrogels were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry analyses and the morphologies were examined using TEM, SEM, and AFM analyses. Such nanocomposites prepared by low cost, mild methods could be extremely efficient for the in situ preparation of three‐dimensional arrays of peptide nanotube grafted hydrogels. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Amino functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by gamma ray irradiation and its epoxy composites

In this paper, γ‐ray radiation technique was utilized to simply functionalize multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) with amino groups. The successful amino functionalization of MWCNTs (MWCNTs‐Am) was proven and the physicochemical properties of MWCNTs before and after radiation grafting modifications were characterized using FT‐IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicated that the γ‐ray radiation had the visible effects on the surface properties of MWCNTs. The effects of various functionalized MWCNTs on morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of an epoxy‐based nanocomposite system were investigated. Utilizing in situ polymerization, 1 wt% loading of MWCNT was used to prepare epoxy‐based nanocomposites. Compared to the neat epoxy system, nanocomposites prepared with MWCNT‐Am showed 13.0% increase in tensile strength, 20.0% increase in tensile modulus, and 24.1% increase in thermal decomposition temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis and characterization of water‐soluble polypyrrole/multi‐walled carbon nanotube composites

Water‐soluble polypyrrole (PPy)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites were prepared by mixing chemically modified MWCNTs carrying carboxylic groups (c‐MWCNTs) and sulfonated PPy (SPPy) aqueous colloids in solution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the resulting composites. Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectra demonstrate the presence of electrostatic interactions between the radical species of the SPPy and the carboxylic acid species of the c‐MWCNTs. The addition of c‐MWCNTs into SPPy efficiently enhances its thermal stability and electrical conductivity. Owing to the doping effect and one‐dimensional linear structure of the c‐MWCNTs, the conductivity of SPPy/c‐MWCNT composites at room temperature is increased by two orders of magnitude by the introduction of 5 wt% c‐MWCNTs into the SPPy matrix. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of thermal imidization on mechanical properties of poly(amide‐co‐imide)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite films

In this study, experimental and numerical studies were performed to investigate the relationship among the functionalization method, weight fraction of MWCNTs, thermal imidization cycle, and mechanical properties of various PAI/MWCNT composite films. Poly(amide‐co‐imide)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite films were prepared by solution mixing and film casting. The effects of chemical functionalization and weight fraction of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on thermal imidization and mechanical properties were investigated through experimental and numerical studies. The time needed to achieve sufficient thermal imidization was reduced with increasing multiwalled carbon nanotube content when compared with that of a pure poly(amide‐co‐imide) film because multiwalled carbon nanotubes have a higher thermal conductivity than pure poly(amide‐co‐imide) resin. Mechanical properties of pure poly(amide‐co‐imide) and poly(amide‐co‐imide)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite films were increased with increasing imidization time and were improved significantly in the case of the composite film filled with hydrogen peroxide treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Both the tensile strength and strain to failure of the multiwalled carbon nanotube filled poly(amide‐co‐imide) film were increased substantially because multiwalled carbon nanotube dispersion was improved and covalent bonding was formed between multiwalled carbon nanotubes and poly(amide‐co‐imide) molecules. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Carbon nanotube-nanoporous anodic alumina composite membranes with controllable inner diameters and surface chemistry: Influence on molecular transport and chemical selectivity

This work presents the fabrication of carbon nanotube composite membranes with controllable nanotube dimensions (inner diameters and lengths) and surface chemistry and explores their influence on the transport properties and chemical based transport selectivity. These membranes were prepared by growing of vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) inside nanoporous anodic alumina membranes (NAAMs) through a catalyst-free chemical vapour deposition (CVD) approach. The deposition time during CVD process and the length of NAAMs were used to control nanotube dimensions. The thermal annealing and wet and dry oxidation processes were used to control the surface chemistry of inner walls of nanotubes from highly graphitic-hydrophobic to oxygen rich and hydrophilic. The structural features and chemical composition of the prepared membranes are characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. The influence of the nanotube dimensions and surface chemistry on molecular transport properties of prepared membranes are assessed by analysing the transport of two models molecules with different hydrophilic–hydrophobic and charge properties. The obtained results reveal that the diffusional flux of model molecules through CNTs-NAAMs can be controlled by nanotube dimensions and surface chemistry of graphitic surface and these parameters can be used to tailor their chemical based molecular separation for specific applications.     

Thermal‐initiated hydroxyethyl methacrylate functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Multiwalled‐carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized via thermoinitiated free radical polymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) using benzoyl peroxide. Tip sonication was used during the polymerization reaction to separate agglomerated nanotubes. The functionalization was confirmed by control experiments and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the addition of poly(HEMA)‐MWCNTs to a two‐component polyurethane coating will have little effect on the glass transition temperature of the coating. The poly(HEMA)‐functionalized MWCNTs formed large colloidal structures of highly dispersed nanotubes in both the nonsheared and sheared coatings as determined by atomic force microscopy. This study determined a quick and easy method to functionalize MWCNTs for incorporation into a two‐component polyurethane coating. A simple method for producing ordered structures of the MWCNTs via shear observed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Fluoroelastomer‐MWNT nanocomposites‐1: Dispersion,morphology, physico‐mechanical,and thermal properties

The present article reports the preparation and characterization of fluoroelastomer/multi‐walled nanotube hybrid nanocomposites prepared by conventional rubber mixing using a two‐roll mill. The morphology of the resulting hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopies (TEM). SEM photographs showed the formation of completely exfoliated and uniformly dispersed nanotubes in the polymer matrix during the high shear mixing process. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) has been used to further study the topography of the composites which also showed complete exfoliation. The effect of increasing MWNT loadings on the mechanical properties like tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break, hardness, and tear resistance has also been studied. The fracture surface of the composite has been studied by SEM. A “cross hatched pattern” has been observed. The thermal stability of the composites has been studied by TGA and increase in decomposition temperature with increase in MWNT loadings has been observed which was attributed to the antioxidant nature of nanotubes. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Noncovalent functionalization of carbon nanotube using poly(vinylcarbazole)‐based compatibilizer for reinforcement and conductivity improvement in epoxy composite

A new compatibilizer [P(GMA‐co‐VCz) copolymer] containing carbazole moiety and reactive epoxide group, which can functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for making superior epoxy composites, was prepared by a simple one‐pot free radical polymerization. The designed compatibilizer could noncovalently functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) via π‐π interaction as evidenced from fluorescence, Raman, and FTIR spectra analysis, and efficiently disperse MWCNTs in organic solvents. TEM images suggest a good wrapping of P(GMA‐co‐VCz) on MWCNTs surface. P(GMA‐co‐VCz) functionalized MWCNTs were more homogeneously dispersed in epoxy matrix than the case without compatibilizer, indicating that the compatibilizer improves the compatibility between MWCNTs and epoxy resin. In addition, the presence of epoxide groups in compatibilizer could generate covalent bonds with the epoxy matrix and improve the interface interaction between MWCNTs and epoxy matrix. As a result, mechanical and electrical properties of the epoxy composites with compatibilizer were largely improved as compared with those of composites without compatibilizer. The addition of as little as 0.15 wt % of MWCNTs to epoxy matrix affords a great increase of 40% in storage modulus and 52.5% in elongation at break. Furthermore, a sharp decrease of almost 9 orders of magnitude in volume resistivity of epoxy composite is observed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45022.     

The thermal properties of a carbon nanotube‐enriched epoxy: Thermal conductivity,curing, and degradation kinetics

Multiwalled carbon nanotube‐enriched epoxy polymers were prepared by solvent evaporation based on a commercially available epoxy system and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (COOH–MWCNTs). Three weight ratio configurations (0.05, 0.5, and 1.0 wt %) of COOH–MWCNTs were considered and compared with neat epoxy and ethanol‐treated epoxy to investigate the effects of nano enrichment and processing. Here, the thermal properties of the epoxy polymers, including curing kinetics, thermal conductivity, and degradation kinetics were studied. Introducing the MWCNTs increased the curing activation energy as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry. The final thermal conductivity of the 0.5 and 1.0 wt % MWCNT‐enriched epoxy samples measured by laser flash technique increased by up to 15% compared with the neat material. The activation energy of the degradation process, investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, was found to increase with increasing CNT content, suggesting that the addition of MWCNTs improved the thermal stability of the epoxy polymers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2722–2733, 2013     

Preparation and characterization of multi‐walled carbon nanotube/poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanoweb

Multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanowebs were obtained by electrospinning. For uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in PET solution, MWCNTs were functionalized by acid treatment. Introduction of carboxyl groups onto the surface of MWCNTs was examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. MWCNTs were added into 22 wt % PET solution in the ratio of 1, 2, 3 wt % to PET. The morphology of MWCNT/PET nanoweb was observed using field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nanofiber diameter decreased with increasing MWCNT concentration. The distribution of the nanofiber diameters showed a bi‐modal shape when MWCNTs were added. Thermal and tensile properties of electrospun MWCNT/PET nanowebs were examined using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and etc. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, thermal stability, and the degree of crystallinity increased with increasing MWCNT concentration. In contrast, elongation at break and cold crystallization temperature showed a contrary tendency. Electric conductivities of the MWCNT/PET nanowebs were in the electrostatic dissipation range. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Development of multiwalled‐carbon‐nanotube‐welded carbon fibers and evaluation of the interfacial strength in epoxy composites

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐welded carbon fibers (CFs) were prepared by a three‐step process, which included polyacrylonitrile (PAN) coating, MWCNT absorption, and heat treatment. The structure of these materials was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The MWCNTs were uniformly assembled on the surface of the PAN‐coated CFs and welded by a PAN‐based carbon layer after heat treatment. The contact angle of the MWCNT‐welded CFs in the epoxy resins was 41.70°; this was 22.35% smaller than that of the unsized CFs. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the MWCNT‐welded CF–epoxy composite was 83.15 MPa; this was 28.89% higher than that of the unsized CF–epoxy composite. The increase in the IFSS was attributed to the enhancement of adhesions between the CFs and polymer matrix through the welding of the MWCNTs on the CFs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45027.     

The effects of triethylenetetramine grafting of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes on its dispersion,filler‐matrix interfacial interaction and the thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites

This study describes the influence of triethylenetetramine (TETA) grafting of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the dispersion state, interfacial interaction, and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites. MWCNTs were first treated by a 3:1 (v/v) mixture of concentrated H₂SO₄/HNO₃, and then TETA grafting was performed. Chemically grafted MWCNT/bisphenol‐A glycidol ether epoxy resin/2‐ethyl‐4‐methylimidazole nanocomposites were prepared. TETA grafting could establish the connection of MWCNTs to the epoxy matrix and transform the smooth and nonreactive MWCNT surface into a hybrid material that possesses the characteristics of both MWCNTs and TETA, which facilitates homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs and improves nanotube‐epoxy interfacial interaction. Therefore, the impact property, glass transition temperature, thermal stability, and thermal conductivity of epoxy nanocomposites are enhanced. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers