Radiation Resistant Metal Decorated MWCNTs/PMMA Nanocomposite Films With Enhanced Thermomechanical Properties

摘要

UV/O-3 radiation and chemical resistant nanocomposite films of functionalized/metal decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) are synthesized. Silver nanoparticles are decorated on the surface of UV/O-3 functionalized MWCNTs by both reduction and in situ growth from AgNO3 aqueous solution. Microscopic studies reflect the better dispersion of UV/O-3 functionalized/silver decorated MWCNTs in polymer matrix contributing in enhancement of thermal stability, thermomechanical strength, glass transition temperatures, and thermal conductivity of nanocomposites even at 0.25 wt% MWCNTs additions. The thermal stability of nanocomposite film (0.25 wt% loading), prepared by using a surfactant (Sodium dodecyl sulfate) is increased to about 27 degrees C while the thermomechanical properties are raised up to 76% at 100 degrees C. Thermal and thermomechanical behavior of pre- and post-UV/O-3 irradiated nanocomposite films are compared with neat polymer. The results reveal that UV/O-3 functionalized MWCNTs can effectively disperse the radiation and have a dramatic reinforcement effect on the nature of the degradation of PMMA matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:969-978, 2014. (c) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers