Synthesis of functionalized carbon nanotubes for polymer strength enhancement

CHED 493

Amber L. Shipman1, Michael R. Kessler2, Christopher J. Peeples1, Kenneth P. Roberts1, and John C. DiCesare, john-dicesare@utulsa.edu1. (1) Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Tulsa, 600 S. College Ave, Tulsa, OK 74104, (2) Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, 2220 Hoover Hall, Ames, IA 50011-2300
Carbon nanotubes are known for many extraordinary physical properties, especially strength. They are one of the strongest materials known today due to their great tensile strength and high elasticity. Our goal is to incorporate these nanotubes into various polymer matrices that may undergo great physical stress. We propose to functionalize the carbon nanotubes with a norbornene derivative in order for the tubes to be chemically bonded into the polymer matrix which will allow for the stress applied on the nanotubes to be shared over the entire matrix. This approach will allow the polymer to withstand greater pressure because the nanotubes will serve as a supporting skeleton that maintains the superior strength of carbon nanotubes. The norbornene derivative is created through the Diels-Alder reaction by mixing dicyclopentadiene and 4-vinyl-benzylchloride under high heat and pressure. In order to add the norbornene derivative to the nanotubes, we will attempt to use a Grignard reaction or lithiating reaction to activate the complex for functionalization. Results from these attempts and the norbornene synthesis will be the subjects of this presentation.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Nanotechnology
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 233rd ACS National Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 25-29, 2007