CHED 338 |
| 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. Under high compression or rigorous tensile strain, current nanotubes will falter, becoming permanently deformed. To remedy this, we propose to functionalize the carbon nanotubes with a norbornene derivative. This makes it possible for the tubes to be covalently 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 which 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. This adduct is then added to the nanotube structure through a Grignard reaction. The synthesis the norbornene derivative and the functionalization of the nanotubes, will be the subjects of this presentation. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Nanotechnology
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |