Noncovalent functionalization of carbon nanotube using poly(vinylcarbazole)‐based compatibilizer for reinforcement and conductivity improvement in epoxy composite

Abstract

A new compatibilizer [P(GMA‐co‐VCz) copolymer] containing carbazole moiety and reactive epoxide group, which can functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for making superior epoxy composites, was prepared by a simple one‐pot free radical polymerization. The designed compatibilizer could noncovalently functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) via π‐π interaction as evidenced from fluorescence, Raman, and FTIR spectra analysis, and efficiently disperse MWCNTs in organic solvents. TEM images suggest a good wrapping of P(GMA‐co‐VCz) on MWCNTs surface. P(GMA‐co‐VCz) functionalized MWCNTs were more homogeneously dispersed in epoxy matrix than the case without compatibilizer, indicating that the compatibilizer improves the compatibility between MWCNTs and epoxy resin. In addition, the presence of epoxide groups in compatibilizer could generate covalent bonds with the epoxy matrix and improve the interface interaction between MWCNTs and epoxy matrix. As a result, mechanical and electrical properties of the epoxy composites with compatibilizer were largely improved as compared with those of composites without compatibilizer. The addition of as little as 0.15 wt % of MWCNTs to epoxy matrix affords a great increase of 40% in storage modulus and 52.5% in elongation at break. Furthermore, a sharp decrease of almost 9 orders of magnitude in volume resistivity of epoxy composite is observed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45022.

Carbon based nanomaterials for tissue engineering of bone: Building new bone on small black scaffolds: A review

“…The outer walls of pristine CNTs are relatively inert and do not undergo many chemical reactions. As a result, in order to provide biocompatibility and solubility [103], [104] special functionalization methods are required. In this regard, there are two approaches, which are noncovalent and covalent functionalization [103], [104].…”

Epoxy Nanocomposites Filled with Carbon Nanoparticles

“…Good interfacial bonding leads to improved stress transfer from the matrix to the CNPs and imparts higher mechanical strength to the composite . Surface functionalization of CNTs has been demonstrated as an effective method to tailor the CNT/polymer interface …”

Noncovalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes using branched random copolymer for improvement of thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of epoxy thermosets

“…(a)), while obvious aggregates occurred in EP/CNTs composite, as shown in enlarged SEM morphology in Fig. (a), which results in a decrease in interfacial interaction between fillers and matrix and a deterioration in mechanical properties . In contrast, the fracture surfaces for composites filled with CNTs/BPHNV become coarser, and stress whitened zones could also be observed.…”

“…Figure shows the mechanical test results for neat epoxy thermoset and its composites filled with MWCNTs and CNTs/BPHNV. The impact strength of neat epoxy is about 13 kJ mol −1 , which slightly decreases when MWCNTs are added, which may be attributed to the defects between fillers and matrix . However, it is noted that there is a significant enhancement in impact strength when CNTs/BPHNV is incorporated in the epoxy resin, and the highest toughness, corresponding to an enhancement of approximately 130%, appears when BPHNV loading rises to 1.0 wt%.…”

“…(b) with BPHNV covering the surface of CNTs, which is consistent with the TEM results. Previous literature showed that carbazole group could ensure strong π – π interaction with CNTs . Furthermore, Liu et al .…”