Fabrication of surfactant-removed polymer composites with single-walled carbon nanotube networks

摘要

Polystyrene (PS) composites with a network of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were fabricated by using monodispersed PS micospheres. First, PS spheres and surfactant-dispersed SWNTs were mixed in water, then a hybrid cake was obtained by filtration via a microporous membrane and the SWNTs were filled within the spaces of packed polymer spheres. At this stage, the surfactants for dispersing SWNTs were totally removed from the composites by a thorough washing. Then the composite films with SWNT networks were obtained by compression molding at 160°C. Structure of the composites had been characterized by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The present SWNT composites showed a low percolation threshold of electrical conductivities.