Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been functionalized via addition of undecyl (C 11 -) radicals generated by thermal decomposition of lauroyl peroxide. The functionalized MWCNTs (C 11 -MWCNTs) were characterized by Raman, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) nanocomposites containing both purified and alkyl-functionalized MWCNTs have been synthesized via in situ polymerization method with the use of C 2 -and C s -symmetry zirconocenes activated by MAO in liquid propylene medium. The effect of incorporating C 11 -MWCNTs on structural, electrical, and mechanical properties of the polypropylene-based nanocomposites has been studied. Analysis of electrical properties in the microwave range elucidates interfacial transformations in the composites induced by MWCNT functionalization and evaluates relative aspect ratios for the filler particles in different systems. The synthesized materials demonstrate improved filler dispersion and mechanical characteristics as a result of nanotube chemical functionalization. The MWCNT functionalization leads to markedly improved nanocomposite plasticity and noticeable enhancement of sPP tensile modulus.

Isotactic polypropylene and elastomeric stereoblock polypropylene nanocomposites containing 0.1−3.5 wt % multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been synthesized via the in situ polymerization approach using MAO-activated C 2- and C 1-symmetry ansa-zirconocenes, a technique that has not been previously reported in literature. Fracture morphology examination of the nanocomposites revealed very efficient distribution of the MWCNTs within the isotactic polypropylene matrix, yet interfacial adhesion level and the reinforcement efficiency were dependent on the nanotube loadings. The elastomeric stereoblock polypropylene/MWCNT and the isotactic polypropylene-based nanocomposites exhibited different morphologies depending on the synthesis peculiarities. For isotactic polypropylene, Youngʼs modulus increased by ∼22% even at 0.1 wt % MWCNT loading, and further modulus growth was observed at higher filler contents. Relatively low permittivity values and considerable dielectric losses in microwave range infer that the obtained nanocomposites can find use as efficient electromagnetic shielding materials and microwave absorbing filters. Outstanding improvement of thermal stability (∼60 °C at maximum weight loss rate temperature) has been achieved for isotactic polypropylene upon incorporating only 3.5 wt % of carbon nanotubes.

A sandwich structured composite of graphene‐wrapped Fe3O4‐graphene nanoribbons is prepared using a facile and cost‐effective approach. The composite demonstrates a high capacity, good rate performance, and greatly improved cycling stability due to the synergistic combination of electrically conductive graphene, graphene nanoribbons, and Fe3O4. The design concept developed mitigates losses that are often seen in nanostructured systems while permitting facile ion access through the material.

Luminescent polymer composite materials, based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), as a matrix polymer and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) derived from coal, were prepared by casting from aqueous solutions. The coal-derived GQDs impart fluorescent properties to the polymer matrix, and the fabricated composite films exhibit solid state fluorescence. Optical, thermal, and fluorescent properties of the PVA/GQD nanocomposites have been studied. High optical transparency of the composite films (78 to 91%) and excellent dispersion of the nanoparticles are observed at GQD concentrations from 1 to 5 wt %. The maximum intensity of materials photoluminescence has been achieved at 10 wt % GQD content. These materials could be used in light emitting diodes (LEDs), flexible electronic displays, and other optoelectronic applications.

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Nanocomposites of polypropylene and graphene nanoplatelets were synthesized by in situ polymerization in liquid monomer in the presence of highly effective isospecific homogeneous metallocene catalyst. Microstructure, mechanical, dielectric, and thermal properties of composites are presented. X‐ray phase analysis data indicate that graphene nanoplatelets are present in composites as thin flaky particles aggregates, with aspect ratio affected by sonication of reaction mixture. Crystallization temperature of polypropylene increases in composites. Nanocomposites are characterized by high rigidity, thermal stability, and crystallization temperature, low conductivity, and high dielectric losses in the microwave range. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013