PHYS 710 |
| The market for electroactive polymers is rapidly growing, and one pathway for reaching these materials is through polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposites. The superior properties of carbon nanotubes make them ideal for additive applications. Due to their excellent electrical properties and anisotropic magnetic susceptibility, we feel carbon nanotubes could be manipulated with a magnetic field to maximize their effectiveness in a polymer matrix for conductive applications. In this study, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) were dispersed in a PET matrix with a solution blending process then cast on a glass substrate to create thin, flexible films. This process was repeated while in the presence of magnetic fields (3 T and 9.4 T). The SWNTs showed a high susceptibility to the magnetic field and were effectively aligned in the PET matrix. Characterization techniques utilized included DSC, tensile testing, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, and four-point probe technique for electrical property characterization. A significant improvement in conductivity was seen with the addition of SWNTs, and there was a definite difference with respect to orientation when the SWNTs were aligned. It was concluded that SWNTs offer a good option as conductive, nucleating filler for electroactive polymer applications. |
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Nanostructured Materials
1:20 PM-5:00 PM, Thursday, April 10, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 338, Oral
Division of Physical Chemistry |