Enhanced processability of MWCNT through surface treatment by octa(phenol) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nano-crosslinking

• OP-POSS was used as a novel cross-linker for MWCNT.
• The processability of MWCNT enhanced by the POSS presence.
• WAXD study confirmed an amorphous structure for MWCNT–POSS nanocomposite.

A facile method was developed to prepare MWCNT/POSS nanocomposites by direct esterification between carboxylic acid functionalized MWCNT and octa(phenol) octasilsesquioxane. Completeness of the MWCNT surface modification was confirmed by FT-IR. The hybrid nano-MWCNT–OP-POSS composite structure and properties was characterized using DSC, TGA, optical microscopy, WAXD, and AFM. The results indicated the solubility and processability of MWCNT–COOH improved because of OP-POSS grafting on MWCNT surface. The Tg and thermal stability of the nanocomposites was higher than that of the OP-POSS as a result of the cross-linking reaction. AFM observations revealed that the nanocomponents were reacted in a homogeneous phase at nanoscale level.