Specific Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes for Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites |
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| Authors: | Nanda Gopal Sahoo Henry Kuo Feng Cheng Lin Li Siew Hwa Chan Zaher Judeh Jianhong Zhao |
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| Affiliation: | 1. School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 (Singapore);2. School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Nanyang Technological University 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637459 (Singapore);3. Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology 71 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 638075 (Singapore) |
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| Abstract: | A novel approach to chemically functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for making advanced polymeric nanocomposites with liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) is presented. In this approach, two types of chemical moieties (i.e., carboxylic and hydroxyl benzoic acid groups) are selectively introduced onto the sidewalls of the MWCNTs. Fourier transform IR and Raman spectroscopy are used to examine the interaction between the functionalized MWCNTs and the LCP. The strong interaction between the functionalized MWCNTs and the LCP greatly improved the dispersion of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix as well as the interfacial adhesion. The dispersion of the MWCNTs in the LCP matrix is observed by optical microscopy and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. As a result, the addition of 1 wt% MWCNTs in the LCP resulted in the significant improvement (41 and 55%) in the tensile strength and modulus of the LCP. |
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| Keywords: | Nanocomposites Liquid crystals Multiwalled carbon nanotubes Polymeric materials |
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