A convenient strategy to functionalize carbon nanotubes with ascorbic acid and its effect on the physical and thermomechanical properties of poly(amide–imide) composites

• Surface functionalization of MWCNTs with ascorbic acid under microwave irradiation.
• The MWCNT-AS/PAI composite films were fabricated by solution blending process.
• Microstructure and MWCNT states in the composites were studied.
• Thermal and mechanical properties of the composite films were evaluated.
• Films of different contents of the MWCNTs-AS showed a superior tensile behavior.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized by ascorbic acid by a fast strategy under microwave irradiation to improve interfacial interactions and dispersion of CNTs in a poly(amide–imide) (PAI) matrix. This technique provides a rapid and economically viable route to produce covalently functionalized CNTs. The as-prepared, new type of functionalized CNTs were analyzed by several techniques. The thermal stabilities and mechanical interfacial properties of CNT/PAI composites were investigated using several techniques. The dispersion state of CNTs in the PAI matrix was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical interfacial property of the composites was significantly increased by the addition of ascorbic acid treated CNTs. The FE-SEM and TEM results showed that the separation and uniform dispersion of CNTs in the PAI matrix. The overview of these recent results is presented.

Presentation of possible interactions of hydrogen bonding between the MWCNT-AS and the PAI chains.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide