Chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes for the dispersion in polymer matrices

Abstract

Chemical modification of the outer graphene layer of carbon nanotubes is an approach increasingly used to overcome the problem of interfacial bonding with different materials. The effect of functionalization of CNT under different conditions, using the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The formation of pyrrolidine groups on the CNT surface was observed, and the reactivity towards four different polymers was studied. CNT surface modification after chemical functionalization was evidenced by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM). After CNT reaction with polycarbonate, polymer coated CNTs were imaged by STM. Composites evidenced excellent CNT/polymer interface.