Carbon Nanotubes for Polymer Reinforcement

Carbon Nanotubes for Polymer Reinforcement

Author: Peng-Cheng Ma, Jang-Kyo Kim
ISBN 978-1-4398262-1-8 

Pages: 224 pages
$189.00
Discovered in the twentieth century, carbon nanotubes (CNT) were an integral part of science and industry by the beginning of the twenty first century, revolutionizing chemistry, physics, and materials science. More recent advances in carbon nanotube production methods have resulted in a tremendous push to incorporate CNTs into polymer matrices. Although many advances have been made, two major obstacles continue unresolved: the enhancement of interfacial adhesion between CNTs and polymer matrix, and the improvement of dispersion of CNTs in polymers. 

Both substantial original contributors to the field, the authors present Carbon Nanotubes for Polymer Reinforcement, the first monograph on various conventional and innovative techniques to disperse and functionalize carbon nanotubes for polymer reinforcement, elegantly explaining the basic sciences and technologies involved in those processes. Topics covered include:
  • Use of CNTs in fabricating novel polymer composites
  • Principles and mechanisms behind CNT dispersion and functionalization
  • Methods for the functionalization and dispersion of CNTs in polymer matrices
  • Effects of CNTs on functional and mechanical properties of polymer composites
  • Optimization of CNT/polymer nanocomposite fabrication

Carbon Nanotubes for Polymer Reinforcement is a comprehensive treatment and critical review of the new class of polymer nanocomposites, and points to areas of future developments. Composites engineers, scientists, researchers, and students will find the basic knowledge and technical results contained herein informative and useful references for their work, whether for advanced research or for design and manufacture of such composites.

1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction to carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
1.2 Properties of CNTs
1.2.1 Structure properties
1.2.2 Mechanical properties
1.2.3 Electrical/electronic properties
1.2.4 Thermal properties
1.2.5 Optical properties
1.2.6 Magnetic properties
1.2.7 Defects on CNTs
1.2.8 Others
1.3 Characterization of CNTs
1.3.1 Structure and morphological characterization of CNTs
1.3.2 Characterization of surface functionalities on CNTs

References

2. Dispersion of CNTs
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Dispersion behavior of CNTs
2.2.1 Dispersion and distribution of CNTs
2.2.2 Surface interactions between CNTs
2.2.3 Aggregation and solubility of CNTs
2.3 Techniques for CNT dispersion
2.3.1 Theoretical analysis on CNT dispersion
2.3.2 Ultrasonication
2.3.3 High speed shear mixing
2.3.4 Calendering
2.3.5 Extrusion
2.3.6 Other techniques
2.4 Characterization of CNT dispersion
2.4.1 Principles on the characterization of CNT dispersion
2.4.2 Microscopic method (Optical and confocal microscopy, SEM, TEM)
2.4.3 Light method (Particle size analyzer, fluorescent method, UV-Vis)
2.4.4 Physical method (Zeta potential)
2.4.5 Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of CNT dispersion
2.5 Dispersion of CNTs in liquid media
2.5.1 Dispersion of CNTs in organic solvents
2.5.2 Dispersion of CNTs in polymers
2.5.3 CNT interactions with biomolecules (DNA, protein, enzyme)
2.6 CNT dispersion using surfactant
2.6.1 Role of surfactant in CNT dispersion
2.6.2 Nonionic surfactant-assisted CNT dispersion
2.6.3 Ionic surfactant-assisted CNT dispersion
2.6.4 Cationic surfactant-assisted CNT dispersion

References

3. Functionalization of CNTs
3.1 Chemistry of CNTs
3.2 Covalent Functionalization of CNTs
3.2.1 Direct side wall functionalization
3.2.2 Defect functionalization
3.3 Non-covalent functionalization of CNTs
3.3.1 Polymer wrapping
3.3.2 Surfactant adsorption
3.3.3 Endohedral method
3.4 CNT functionalization in different phases
3.4.1 CNT functionalization in solid phase (Mechanochemical method)
3.4.2 CNT functionalization in liquid phase (Covalent and non-covalent methods)
3.4.3 CNT functionalization in gas phase (including UV/03, plasma and halogenations,such as F, Cl and Br)

3.5 Effects of functionalization on the properties of CNTs
3.5.1 Dispersibility of CNTs
3.5.2 Mechanical properties
3.5.3 Electrical/electronic properties
3.5.4 Thermal properties
3.5.5 Optical properties
3.5.6 Others
3.6 Metal nanoparticle/CNT nanohybrids
3.6.1 Fabrication
3.6.2 Applications

References

4. CNT/Polymer Nanocomposites
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Fabrication of CNT/polymer composites
4.2.1 Solution mixing
4.2.2 Melt blending
4.2.3 In-situ polymerization
4.2.4 Latex technology
4.2.5 Pulverization method
4.2.6 Coagulation spinning method
4.2.7 Others
4.3 Effects of functionalization on the properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposites
4.3.1 Mechanical properties
4.3.2 Electrical properties
4.3.3 Thermal properties and flammability
4.3.4 Optical properties
4.3.5 Magnetic properties
4.3.6 Ageing properties
4.3.7 Damping properties
4.3.8 Others
4.4 Control of CNT/polymer interface

References

5. Application of CNT/Polymer Nanocomposites
5.1 Structural application of CNT /polymer nanocomposites
5.2 Functional application of CNT/polymer nanocomposites

References

Appendices

Peng-Cheng Ma is currently a Visiting Scholar at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Jang-Kyo Kim is a tenured Professor, Associate Dean of Engineering, and Director of the Nanoscience and Technology Program at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.