Nylon/Carbon Nanotube Composites Prepared by in-situ Polymerization

초록

Since their discovery by Ijima, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have gained increasing interest on account of their unique structure and extraordinary mechanical and electronic properties.1,2 Theoretical and experimental studies have shown that CNTs have an extremely high Young’s moduli that is similar to that of the graphite in-plane.3,4 Therefore, CNT-reinforced polymer composites have potential defense and aerospace applications, where high strength and lightweight components are of prime importance. In addition to their mechanical properties, the electrical properties of CNTs can be used to impart conductivity to non-conducting polymers, thereby improving the electrostatic charge dissipation and electromagnetic shielding efficiency.5,6 Accordingly, many polymers are currently under investigation for their potential as host matrices for CNTs. The resulting composites have been reported to show improved mechanical and electrical properties.7-9 The techniques commonly used to fabricate CNT-composite materials rely on solution casting10-12 or melt processing13,14. Even though there are many reports of “polymer-CNT composites”, this is the first report on Nylon/CNT composite synthesized via in situ polymerization in an aqueous carbon nanotube dispersion with surfactants. These new composites showed significantly better mechanical properties as a result of the incorporation of a small amount of carbon nanotubes and thermal stability.