Effect of SW-CNT Diameter on Polymer Degradation and Resistance of Polystyrene/SW-CNTs Composites Induced by γ-Irradiation

Abstract

The outstanding electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) make them promising materials for a wide range of applications. Numerous theoretical and experimental studies on the diameter-dependent properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SW-CNTs) exist. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes into commercial polymers can alter the properties of both materials. Herein, we demonstrate polystyrene/SW-CNT composites with different diameters to check property changes, including radiation-protective characteristics under various doses of gamma radiation. The intrinsic glassy state of polystyrene disappeared owing to the introduction of SW-CNTs into the polymer-polymer chain. In addition, when 1.3 nm diameter SW-CNTs were introduced, the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy peaks for alkyl aryl ethers were observed at 10–60 kGy of gamma irradiation. In this study, the different phenomena that occur when polystyrene/SW-CNT composites are formed with different SW-CNT diameters (0.78 nm and 1.3 nm) were investigated via systematic analyses.

Sustainably Sourced Tannic Acid Enables Fast-Curing High-Strength Epoxy Adhesives with Increased Toughness

“…In the TA/TGDDM/mPDA-based ERs, the peak of the CO stretching vibration shifted to 1704 cm –1 , further revealing the existence of interaction between different molecules. Additionally, the characteristic peak of stretching vibration for aromatic ether (Ar–O) was observed at approximately 1255 cm –1 in TA/TGDDM (Figure c), while the characteristic peak of stretching vibration for aromatic ether (R–O) was located around 1004 cm –1 , suggesting the formation of Ar–O–R bonds originated from the reaction between phenolic hydroxyl groups (Ar–OH) and epoxy groups . Moreover, the peaks at 1170–1270 cm –1 correspond to the C–N and C–O stretching vibration in TGDDM/mPDA.…”

“…Additionally, the characteristic peak of stretching vibration for aromatic ether (Ar−O) was observed at approximately 1255 cm −1 in TA/TGDDM (Figure 1c), while the characteristic peak of stretching vibration for aromatic ether (R−O) was located around 1004 cm −1 , suggesting the formation of Ar−O−R bonds originated from the reaction between phenolic hydroxyl groups (Ar−OH) and epoxy groups. 36 Moreover, the peaks at 1170−1270 cm −1 correspond to the C−N and C−O stretching vibration in TGDDM/ mPDA. Based on the above discussion, we conclude that TA can serve as a curing agent for preparing ERs because the active phenolic hydroxyl groups of TA are capable of opening epoxy rings and undergoing cross-linking reactions.…”