In-Situ X-Ray Scattering of Fluorinated Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube (FMWNT)/Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) Composite Fiber During Stretching

摘要

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have an array of extraordinary mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. They are often used as nanofillers in polymer nanocomposites for a wide range of potential applications. In particular, the fabrication of nanocomposites, containing CNTs and fluoropolymers, is of great interest because the unique properties of CNTs may overcome some of the drawbacks in fluoropolymers, such as poor mechanical properties, difficulty in processing, and low electrical conductivity. However, dispersion of CNTs in fluoropolymers is difficult due to the very low surface tension and low inter-polymer chain attraction of fluoropolymers. Surface modification of CNTs thus becomes an essential step to increase the compatibility between CNT and fluoropolymers, thus increasing the dispersion of CNTs in the resulting nanocomposites.