| Abstract: | Poly(ethylene oxide) nanocomposites filled with functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes are prepared and characterized using rheological and morphological measurements. This study investigates how the surface treatment of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) affects the CNT dispersion state. It is found that the nanocomposites have a higher effective volume fraction than the real volume fraction of the CNTs. The dispersion state of the CNTs is identified by using field emission scanning electron spectroscope and transmission electron microscope. The rheological findings indicate that there exists a percolated network structure of the CNTs in the nanocomposites, which was confirmed by electrical conductivity measurements as well as morphological observation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:1350–1357, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers |
