Improving carbon nanotube/polymer interactions in nanocomposites

Abstract

A review of carbon nanotube (CNT) functionalization methods to improve the interfacial interactions with polymers is addressed. The most common CNT functionalization methods to address the issue of interfacial interactions between CNTs and their host polymer matrix in CNT polymer composites are discussed. These CNT chemical modifications include oxidations, silanizations, fluorinations, aminations, and other less conventional methods, such as modifications with itaconic acid. After a brief introduction (Section 5.1), Section 5.2 focuses on functionalization methods and the Section 5.3 covers specific functionalizations for CNT interactions with thermosettings, thermoplastics, and elastomers, with discussion of their interfacial interactions toward improving the mechanical and thermal properties of functionalized nanocomposites.