Incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the surface of polystyrene microspheres via In Situ suspension polymerization

摘要

Polystyrene (PS) microspheres selectively coated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by in situ suspension polymerization. The styrene monomer was polymerized in an aqueous matrix with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), MWCNTs and 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile. PVP was used as both as an agent for dispersing the MWCNTs using a wrapping strategy in an aqueous system and as a steric stabilizer for styrene droplets. Therefore, MWCNTs wrapped with PVP were dispersed on the surface of PS microspheres. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the MWCNTs were located only on the surface of the S-PS/MWCNT microspheres. The electrical conductivity of the MWCNT-network on the surface of the PS microspheres was analyzed by electrical resistance measurements. Overall, PS/MWCNT microspheres can be used to produce highly concentrated MWCNT-dispersed PS films by hot compression.