Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece, Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vass. Constantinou Avenue, 116 35 Athens, Greece, Institut de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, UPR9021 CNRS, Immunologie et Chimie Therapeutiques, 67084 Strasbourg, France, and Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita di Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy

Chemistry of Carbon Nanotubes

Small but strong: A review of the mechanical properties of carbon nanotube–polymer composites

We review the present state of polymer nanocomposites research in which the fillers are single-wall or multiwall carbon nanotubes. By way of background we provide a brief synopsis about carbon nanotube materials and their suspensions. We summarize and critique various nanotube/polymer composite fabrication methods including solution mixing, melt mixing, and in situ polymerization with a particular emphasis on evaluating the dispersion state of the nanotubes. We discuss mechanical, electrical, rheological, thermal, and flammability properties separately and how these physical properties depend on the size, aspect ratio, loading, dispersion state, and alignment of nanotubes within polymer nanocomposites. Finally, we summarize the current challenges to and opportunities for efficiently translating the extraordinary properties of carbon nanotubes to polymer matrices in hopes of facilitating progress in this emerging area.

Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Carbon Nanotubes

Conducting-polymer-based supercapacitor devices and electrodes

https://cyberleninka.org/article/n/1018032.pdf

Polymer nanotechnology: Nanocomposites

Ultra-low electrical percolation threshold in carbon-nanotube-epoxy composites

Development of a dispersion process for carbon nanotubes in an epoxy matrix and the resulting electrical properties

We have studied the work function and density of states (DOS) of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) Raw MWNTs were purified by successive sonication, centrifugation, sedimentation, and filtration processes with the aid of a nonionic surfactant The purified MWNTs showed a slightly lower work function (43 eV) than that of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (44 eV) Effects of three different oxidative treatments, air-, oxygen plasma-, and acid-oxidation, have also been studied It was found that oxidative treatments affect the DOS of valence bands and increase the work function X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements have suggested that gas-phase treatment preferentially forms hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, while liquid-phase treatment forms carboxylic acid groups on the surface of MWNTs These surface chemical groups disrupt the π-conjugation and introduce surface dipole moments, leading to higher work functions up to 51 eV We expect the 

A. H. Windle

Papers

Ultra-low electrical percolation threshold in carbon-nanotube-epoxy composites

Development of a dispersion process for carbon nanotubes in an epoxy matrix and the resulting electrical properties

Work Functions and Surface Functional Groups of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

Dispersion and packing of carbon nanotubes

Formation of percolating networks in multi-wall carbon-nanotube–epoxy composites