Influence of amine-grafted multi-walled carbon nanotubes on physical and rheological properties of PMMA-based nanocomposites

In this work, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was grafted onto amine treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NH-MWNTs) and the physical and rheological properties of the NH-MWNTs–g-PMMA nanocomposites were investigated. The graft reaction of NH-MWNTs and the PMMA matrix was confirmed from the change of the N1S peaks, including those of amine oxygen and amide oxygen, by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The thermal and mechanical properties of the NH-MWNT–g-PMMA nanocomposites were enhanced by the graft reaction between NH-MWNTs and PMMA matrix. In addition, the viscosity of the nanocomposites was increased with the addition of NH-MWNTs. Storage (G′) and loss modulus (G″) were significantly increased by increase in the NH-MWNT content compared to acid-treated MWNTs/PMMA nanocomposites. This increase was attributed to the strong interaction by the grafting reaction between NH-MWNTs and the PMMA matrix.

This describes the increase of mechanical properties in NH-MWNTs–g-PMMA hybrid composites with different NH-MWNT contents.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Aminized carbon nanotubes are used as reinforcement for poly(methylmethacrylate).
► Poly(methylmethacrylate) is grafted on aminized carbon nanotubes by thermal reaction.
► Grafting of carbon nanotubes and polymer provide enhanced physical properties.
► It was due to the strong interaction between carbon nanotubes and polymer matrix.