Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyimide with Dispersed Functionalized Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Molecular pi-complexes were formed from pristine HiPCO single- wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and 1-pyrene- N-(4-N'-(5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxyimido)phenyl butanamide, 1. Polyimide films were prepared with these complexes as well as uncomplexed SWCNTs and the effects of nanoadditive addition on mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of these films were evaluated. Although these properties were enhanced by both nanoadditives, larger increases in tensile strength and thermal and electrical conductivities were obtained when the SWCNT/1 complexes were used. At a loading level of 5.5 wt %, the T(g) of the polyimide increased from 169 to 197 degrees C and the storage modulus increased 20-fold (from 142 to 3045 MPa). The addition of 3.5 wt % SWCNT/1 complexes increased the tensile strength of the polyimide from 61.4 to 129 MPa; higher loading levels led to embrittlement and lower tensile strengths. The electrical conductivities (DC surface) of the polyimides increased to 1 x 10(-4) Scm(-1) (SWCNT/1 complexes loading level of 9 wt %). Details of the preparation of these complexes and their effects on polyimide film properties are discussed.

Electrical Properties of Pristine and Electron Irradiated Carbon Nanotube Yarns at Small Length Scales

“…Potential applications of CNT yarns that possess both good electrical and mechanical properties include antennas and lightning strike protection of aircraft [7]. Considerable efforts have been focused until now in e-beam irradiation methods that lead to mechanical improvement.…”

Synthesis and characterization of polyimide-carbon nanotube composites

“…Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been shown to improve the properties of polymers such as structural and thermal properties (Lebron-Colon et al, 2010). In order to investigate the effects of CNT addition on high temperature Synthesis and characterization of polyimide-carbon nanotube composites polyimides, nanocomposites were prepared with 0 and 1 wt% CNTs (functionalized and nonfunctionalized Single-and Double-Wall).…”

Preparation of surface-silvered graphene-CNTs/polyimide hybrid films: Processing, morphology and properties

“…In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to the modification of PI film with organic/inorganic hybrid materials. It was found that the electrical, mechanical, thermal properties of PI films were significantly improved by the doping of a small amount of nano-fillers [2,3].…”