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Journal ArticleDOI

Dispersion and alignment of carbon nanotubes in polymer matrix: A review

TL;DR: In this article, the authors review recent progress and advances that have been made on: (a) dispersion of CNTs in a polymer matrix, including optimum blending, in situ polymerization and chemical functionalization; and (b) alignment of CNNs in the matrix enhanced by ex situ techniques, force and magnetic fields, electrospinning and liquid crystalline phase-induced methods.
Abstract: Polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites are expected to have good processability characteristics of the polymer and excellent functional properties of the CNTs. The critical challenge, however, is how to enhance dispersion and alignment of CNTs in the matrix. Here, we review recent progress and advances that have been made on: (a) dispersion of CNTs in a polymer matrix, including optimum blending, in situ polymerization and chemical functionalization; and (b) alignment of CNTs in the matrix enhanced by ex situ techniques, force and magnetic fields, electrospinning and liquid crystalline phase-induced methods. In addition, discussions on mechanical, thermal, electrical, electrochemical, optical and super-hydrophobic properties; and applications of polymer/CNT composites are included. Enhanced dispersion and alignment of CNTs in the polymer matrix will promote and extend the applications and developments of polymer/CNT nanocomposites.
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the current understanding of carbon nanotubes and CNT/polymer nanocomposites with two particular topics: (i) the principles and techniques for CNT dispersion and functionalization and (ii) the effects of CNT-based functionalization on the properties of polymers.
Abstract: 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.

2,849 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
07 Jan 2011-Polymer
TL;DR: A survey of the literature on polymer nanocomposites with graphene-based fillers including recent work using graphite nanoplatelet fillers is presented in this article, along with methods for dispersing these materials in various polymer matrices.

2,782 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of particle size, particle/matrix interface adhesion and particle loading on the stiffness, strength and toughness of such particulate polymer composites are reviewed.
Abstract: There have been a number of review papers on layered silicate and carbon nanotube reinforced polymer nanocomposites, in which the fillers have high aspect ratios. Particulate–polymer nanocomposites containing fillers with small aspect ratios are also an important class of polymer composites. However, they have been apparently overlooked. Thus, in this paper, detailed discussions on the effects of particle size, particle/matrix interface adhesion and particle loading on the stiffness, strength and toughness of such particulate–polymer composites are reviewed. To develop high performance particulate composites, it is necessary to have some basic understanding of the stiffening, strengthening and toughening mechanisms of these composites. A critical evaluation of published experimental results in comparison with theoretical models is given.

2,767 citations


Cites background from "Dispersion and alignment of carbon ..."

  • ...tem over a similar range of silica diameter 6–42 lm [15]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the status of worldwide research in the thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes and their polymer nanocomposites is reviewed, as well as the relationship between thermal conductivities and the micro- and nano-structure of the composites.

2,102 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There are several methods for the dispersion of CNTs in the polymer matrix such as solution mixing, melt mixing, electrospinning, in-situ polymerization and chemical functionalization of the carbon nanotubes as discussed by the authors.

1,503 citations


Cites background from "Dispersion and alignment of carbon ..."

  • ...Most of the SWNT bundles exfoliate to give individual SWNTmacromolecules [8] if the reaction time of acid chloride group with amines is at ele-...

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  • ...Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in 1991 by Iijima [1], they have received much attention for their many potential applications, such as nanoelectronic and photovoltaic devices [2,3], superconductors [4], electromechanical actuators [5], electrochemical capacitors [6], nanowires [7], and nanocompositematerials [8,9]....

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References
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Journal ArticleDOI
Sumio Iijima1
01 Nov 1991-Nature
TL;DR: Iijima et al. as mentioned in this paper reported the preparation of a new type of finite carbon structure consisting of needle-like tubes, which were produced using an arc-discharge evaporation method similar to that used for fullerene synthesis.
Abstract: THE synthesis of molecular carbon structures in the form of C60 and other fullerenes1 has stimulated intense interest in the structures accessible to graphitic carbon sheets. Here I report the preparation of a new type of finite carbon structure consisting of needle-like tubes. Produced using an arc-discharge evaporation method similar to that used for fullerene synthesis, the needles grow at the negative end of the electrode used for the arc discharge. Electron microscopy reveals that each needle comprises coaxial tubes of graphitic sheets, ranging in number from 2 up to about 50. On each tube the carbon-atom hexagons are arranged in a helical fashion about the needle axis. The helical pitch varies from needle to needle and from tube to tube within a single needle. It appears that this helical structure may aid the growth process. The formation of these needles, ranging from a few to a few tens of nanometres in diameter, suggests that engineering of carbon structures should be possible on scales considerably greater than those relevant to the fullerenes. On 7 November 1991, Sumio Iijima announced in Nature the preparation of nanometre-size, needle-like tubes of carbon — now familiar as 'nanotubes'. Used in microelectronic circuitry and microscopy, and as a tool to test quantum mechanics and model biological systems, nanotubes seem to have unlimited potential.

39,086 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Nov 1985-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a truncated icosahedron, a polygon with 60 vertices and 32 faces, 12 of which are pentagonal and 20 hexagonal.
Abstract: During experiments aimed at understanding the mechanisms by which long-chain carbon molecules are formed in interstellar space and circumstellar shells1, graphite has been vaporized by laser irradiation, producing a remarkably stable cluster consisting of 60 carbon atoms. Concerning the question of what kind of 60-carbon atom structure might give rise to a superstable species, we suggest a truncated icosahedron, a polygon with 60 vertices and 32 faces, 12 of which are pentagonal and 20 hexagonal. This object is commonly encountered as the football shown in Fig. 1. The C60 molecule which results when a carbon atom is placed at each vertex of this structure has all valences satisfied by two single bonds and one double bond, has many resonance structures, and appears to be aromatic. Before 1985, it was generally accepted that elemental carbon exists in two forms, or allotropes: diamond and graphite. Then, Kroto et al. identified the signature of a new, stable form of carbon that consisted of clusters of 60 atoms. They called this third allotrope of carbon 'buckminsterfullerene', and proposed that it consisted of polyhedral molecules in which the atoms were arrayed at the vertices of a truncated icosahedron. In 1990, the synthesis of large quantities of C60 [see Nature 347, 354–358 (1990)] confirmed this hypothesis.

13,394 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
02 Aug 2002-Science
TL;DR: Many potential applications have been proposed for carbon nanotubes, including conductive and high-strength composites; energy storage and energy conversion devices; sensors; field emission displays and radiation sources; hydrogen storage media; and nanometer-sized semiconductor devices, probes, and interconnects.
Abstract: Many potential applications have been proposed for carbon nanotubes, including conductive and high-strength composites; energy storage and energy conversion devices; sensors; field emission displays and radiation sources; hydrogen storage media; and nanometer-sized semiconductor devices, probes, and interconnects. Some of these applications are now realized in products. Others are demonstrated in early to advanced devices, and one, hydrogen storage, is clouded by controversy. Nanotube cost, polydispersity in nanotube type, and limitations in processing and assembly methods are important barriers for some applications of single-walled nanotubes.

9,693 citations

Book
01 Jan 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a detailed overview of the properties of Fullerenes and their properties in surface science applications, such as scanning tunnel microscopy, growth and fragmentation studies, and chemical synthesis.
Abstract: Historical Introduction. Carbon Materials. Structure of Fullerenes. Symmetry Considerations. Growth and Fragmentation Studies. Crystalline Structure of Fullerenes. Synthesis of Fullerene Molecules and Solids. Doping of Fullerenes. Structure of Doped Fullerenes and Fullerene Compounds. Fullerene Chemistry. Vibrational Modes. Thermal Properties. Electronic Structure. Optical Properties. Electrical and Thermal Properties. Superconductivity. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance. Surface Science Techniques on Fullerenes. Magnetic Properties. Fullerene-Related Tubules and Spherules. Scanning Tunnel Microscopy. Applications.

4,008 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a super-hydrophobic surface with both a large contact angle (CA) and a small sliding angle (α) has been constructed from carbon nanotubes.
Abstract: Super-hydrophobic surfaces, with a water contact angle (CA) greater than 150degreesC, have attracted much interest for both fundamental research and practical applications. Recent studies on lotus and rice leaves reveal that a super-hydrophobic surface with both a large CA and small sliding angle (alpha) needs the cooperation of micro- and nanostructure, and the arrangement of the microstructures on this surface can influence the way a water droplet tends to move. These results form the natural world provide a guide for constructing artificial super-hydrophobic surfaces and designing surfaces with controllable wettability. Accordingly, super-hydrophobic surfaces of polymer nanofibers and differently patterned aligned carbon nanotube (ACNT) films have been fabricated.

3,781 citations