Carbon nanotube composite: Dispersion routes and field emission parameters

A correlation has been established between the dispersibility of the thin multiwall carbon nanotubes (t-MWCNTs) in the composite, achieved via the chemical and mechanical dispersion routes, to their field emission parameters. The pristine t-MWCNTs (0.1 wt%) have been soaked in α–terpineol solution (C10H18O, (R)-2-(4-Methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)-2-propenol) followed by the sonication and admixing with the ethyl cellulose polymer to obtain the raw-composite. In the chemical route, the t-MWCNTs have been COOH functionalized to obtain better dispersed and stabilized suspension in the terpineol. The presence of COOH affects the hydrogen bonding capacity of the t-MWCNTs which in turn stimulates the Lewis basicity of the medium and assist dispersion process. In the mechanical route, the dispersibility of the t-MWCNTs in the ethyl cellulose has been enhanced, via untanglement from the shear force, using a three roll milling technique. Moreover, the superior dispersibility of the t-MWCNTs has been observed for the composite synthesized by the combination of the chemical and mechanical dispersion routes. The field emission parameters have been influenced by the degree of dispersion of the t-MWCNTs in the composite. Details of the synthesis routes and field emission analysis are presented.