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Abstract. In this work, we have synthesized carbon nanotubes (CNT) using different biohydrocarbon precursors namely palm, olive, coconut, corn and sesame oils. Prior to the synthesis process, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) characterization was performed on the carbon precursors to facilitate the optimization procedures of CNT and reach maximum yield and higher quality CNT.The CNT arrays were deposited on a silicon substrate by thermal catalytic decomposition of the precursor using 5.33 wt% ferrocene. The synthesis was carried out at 750 °C for 60 min under argon ambient. The samples were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, microRaman spectroscopy and TGA analysis. The difference in oil density resulted in different quality and Nano HybridsOnline -08-22 ISSN: 2234-9871, Vol. 2, pp 43-63 doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/NH.2.43 © 2012 This is an open access article under the CC-BY 4.0 license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) tube diameter of CNT produced. Among all, the CNT synthesized from coconut oil can be considered as the best bio-hydrocarbon precursor for higher quality (I D /I G ~0.62) and good purity (81.95 %) CNT.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/natural rubber (MWCNTs/NR) nanocomposites is formed by incorporating nanotubes in a polymer solution and subsequently evaporating the solvent. Using this technique, nanotubes will be dispersed homogeneously in the NR matrix in an attempt to increase the mechanical properties of these nanocomposites. Mechanical test results show an increase in the tensile strength for up to 19 times in relation to pure NR. In addition to mechanical testing, the morphology of the MWNTs into NR was studied by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) in order to understand the morphology of the resulting system. Slight shift noted from FTIR and Raman analyses from each different wt. % of MWCNTs with the NR due to the stress transfer that indicates reinforcement of the nanotubes.

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