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

Graphene has emerged as a subject of enormous scientific interest due to its exceptional electron transport, mechanical properties, and high surface area. When incorporated appropriately, these atomically thin carbon sheets can significantly improve physical properties of host polymers at extremely small loading. We first review production routes to exfoliated graphite with an emphasis on top-down strategies starting from graphite oxide, including advantages and disadvantages of each method. Then solvent- and melt-based strategies to disperse chemically or thermally reduced graphene oxide in polymers are discussed. Analytical techniques for characterizing particle dimensions, surface characteristics, and dispersion in matrix polymers are also introduced. We summarize electrical, thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties of the graphene/polymer nanocomposites. We conclude this review listing current challenges associated with processing and scalability of graphene composites and future perspectives f...

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Graphene/Polymer Nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hold the promise of delivering exceptional mechanical properties and multi-functional characteristics. Ever-increasing interest in applying CNTs in many different fields has led to continued efforts to develop dispersion and functionalization techniques. To employ CNTs as effective reinforcement in polymer nanocomposites, proper dispersion and appropriate interfacial adhesion between the CNTs and polymer matrix have to be guaranteed. This paper reviews the current understanding of CNTs and CNT/polymer nanocomposites with two particular topics: (i) the principles and techniques for CNT dispersion and functionalization and (ii) the effects of CNT dispersion and functionalization on the properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposites. The fabrication techniques and potential applications of CNT/polymer nanocomposites are also highlighted.

Dispersion and functionalization of carbon nanotubes for polymer-based nanocomposites: a review

Carbon nanotube–polymer composites: Chemistry, processing, mechanical and electrical properties

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) functionalized with amino groups were prepared via chemical modification of carboxyl groups introduced on the carbon nanotube surface. Two different approaches (amide and amine-moieties) were used to produce the amino-functionalized nanotubes. The amino-termination allows further chemistry of the functionalized SWCNTs and makes possible covalent bonding to polymers and biological systems such as DNA and carbohydrates. The functionalization of the SWCNTs was characterized in detail using FTIR and XPS.

Amino-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Binding to Polymers and Biological Systems

Vibration energy harvesting is an attractive technique for potential powering of wireless sensors and low power devices. While the technique can be employed to harvest energy from vibrations and vibrating structures, a general requirement independent of the energy transfer mechanism is that the vibration energy harvesting device operate in resonance at the excitation frequency. Most energy harvesting devices developed to date are single resonance frequency based, and while recent efforts have been made to broaden the frequency range of energy harvesting devices, what is lacking is a robust tunable energy harvesting technique. In this paper, the design and testing of a resonance frequency tunable energy harvesting device using a magnetic force technique is presented. This technique enabled resonance tuning to ±20% of the untuned resonant frequency. In particular, this magnetic-based approach enables either an increase or decrease in the tuned resonant frequency. A piezoelectric cantilever beam with a natural frequency of 26 Hz is used as the energy harvesting cantilever, which is successfully tuned over a frequency range of 22‐32 Hz to enable a continuous power output 240‐280 μW over the entire frequency range tested. A theoretical model using variable damping is presented, whose results agree closely with the experimental results. The magnetic force applied for resonance frequency tuning and its effect on damping and load resistance have been experimentally determined. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)

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A vibration energy harvesting device with bidirectional resonance frequency tunability

https://web.stevens.edu/ses/documents/fileadmin/documents/pdf/Fisher-CST-2003.pdf

Fiber waviness in nanotube-reinforced polymer composites-I: Modulus predictions using effective nanotube properties

Chemically functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were incorporated into a polymer matrix by in situ polymerization, to improve the transfer of mechanical load through a chemical bond, which was demonstrated by Raman and infrared spectroscopies. The resulting composite shows higher storage modulus (E‘) and tensile strength than existing similar composites, with only 1 wt % of functionalized nanotubes. E‘ at 90 °C is increased by an outstanding 1135% and the glass transition temperature is exceptionally raised by ≅40 °C.

Improvement of Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Composites through Chemical Functionalization

http://personal.stevens.edu/%7Effisher/pubs/Eitan-Fisher-CST06-PC_NT.pdf

Frank T. Fisher

Papers

Amino-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Binding to Polymers and Biological Systems

A vibration energy harvesting device with bidirectional resonance frequency tunability

Fiber waviness in nanotube-reinforced polymer composites-I: Modulus predictions using effective nanotube properties

Improvement of Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Composites through Chemical Functionalization

Reinforcement mechanisms in MWCNT-filled polycarbonate