Influence of surface modification of carbon nanotubes on interactions with polystyrene- b -polyisoprene- b -polystyrene matrix and its photo-actuation properties (original) (raw)

Polystyrene/carbon nanotube (PS/CNT) composites have attracted considerable attention in research and industry fields due to high strength and electrical conductivity of CNT. Recently, several investigations showed that the PS/CNT composites exhibited the significant enhancement in thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties at room and/or high temperatures as well as possessed excellent process-ability which was quite similar to those of pure polymers. In this study, the various processing methods used to fabricate the composites are outlined with a special focus on solution processing, melt mixing, in-situ polymerization, etc. This paper discusses the non-covalent and covalent modifications of CNTs with PS, which are commonly applied to improve the dispersion and compatibility of the PS/CNT composites. The thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of the present composites are also reviewed. The influences of different variables, such as type and content of CNT processing method and temperature, on the electrical responses are also highlighted. The discussion of the different properties in this study concluded that the addition of CNT would be beneficial for improving the materials performance of PS composites for industrial applications.

Carbon nanotubes have long been recognized as the stiffest and strongest man-made material known to date. In addition, their high electrical conductivity has roused interest in the area of electrical appliances and communication related applications. However, due to their miniscule size, the excellent properties of these nanostructures can only be exploited if they are homogeneously embedded into light-weight matrices as

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 function-alization on the properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposites. The fabrication techniques and potential applications of CNT/polymer nanocomposites are also highlighted.

As multifunctional high-performance materials, polylactic acid/carbon nanotube (PLA/CNT) composites are currently of great interest for using in an extensive range of medical and industrial applications. The main focus of the present work, accordingly, is to review the recent developments on PLA/CNT composites. In addition, the dependence of thermal, mechanical, electrical, and rheological properties on the type, aspect ratio, loading, dispersion state, and alignment of CNTs within PLA matrix was reviewed. The discussion of the different properties revealed that the CNTs additive could be an effective method to improve the performance of PLA materials for medical and industrial applications.