IMPROVED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMER COMPOSITES BY PLASMA FUNCTIONALIZED CARBON NANOTUBES

摘要

Several unique methods have been used to improve the mechanical properties of carbon nanotube polymer composites. These methods include magnetic alignment of nanotubes in the polymer composites, plasma coating of adhesive thin films on carbon nanotubes, and optimizing the plasma and ultrasonic mixing parameters. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments have been performed to study the interfacial and chemical structures of the plasma coating and the microstructure of the polymer composites. The study has shown that the mechanical properties of the polymer composites have been significantly improved by these methods. The underlying strengthening mechanism is discussed.