Covalent integration of functionalized single wall nanotubes into nylon 6,10 via interfacial in situ polycondensation

PRES 37

Mohammad Moniruzzaman, mmoniruz@seas.upenn.edu1, Karen I. Winey, winey@seas.upenn.edu1, Jayanta Chattopadhyay, jayanta@rice.edu2, and W. E. Billups, billups@rice.edu2. (1) Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, (2) Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St. MS 60, Houston, TX 77005
We have prepared nylon 6,10 nanocomposites with functionalized single wall nanotubes (fSWNT) using an interfacial polycondensation method previously developed in our lab. The specific functional groups (CH2)nCOCl on the sidewall of the nanotubes were designed to permit covalent bonding to the nylon matrix while fabricating the nanocomposite. Using a binary mixture of dichlorobenzene/water solvent system, we have been able to prepare nylon 6,10 and nylon 6,10 / fSWNT nanocomposites with a yield of 80%. The composites were characterized using FTIR and Raman spectroscopies, optical and scanning electron microscopies, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Improved protocols have been developed to reduce the degradation of the composites at elevated temperatures. The morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the composites will be presented in the poster.
 

SWNTs From Synthesis to Application, From the Lab to the Fab: In Memory of Dr. Richard Smalley
4:30 PM-6:30 PM, Sunday, 10 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Room 305, Poster

Presidential Event

The 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, September 10-14, 2006