Functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with furan and maleimide compounds through Diels–Alder cycloaddition

Functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is performed through Diels–Alder (DA) reaction, using either furfuryl alcohol (a diene) or N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)maleimide (NHMI, a dienophile) as a functionalization agent. The structures of the functionalized MWCNTs are characterized with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis results also demonstrate the presence of organic portions of the functionalized MWCNTs. The DA reaction is further applied to incorporate polymer chains onto MWCNT surfaces, using a polyamide with maleimide pendent groups. Transmission electron microscopy images show the presence of a polymer layer of about 2–5 nm around the polymer modified MWCNTs.