Muscovite-MWCNT hybrid as a potential filler for layered silicate nanocomposite

Hybridizing multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) with clay created a new class of functional materials especially for producing polymer layered silicate nanocomposite. The hybrid MWCNT/muscovite compound was produced using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. It is rare to be found that the clay material such as muscovite to be used as a supporting material for MWCNT synthesis. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) were used to characterize the hybrid compound. XRD analysis revealed the existence of carbon element among several clay elements of muscovite clay confirming the deposition of CNT. Microstructural analysis using HRTEM further showed that MWCNT was successfully grown on the surface of muscovite particles.

► Novel MWCNT-muscovite hybrid compound was prepared by chemical vapour deposition(CVD).
► Complex Ni-muscovite catalyst was used in the CVD.
► The yeild of MWCNT showed the catalytic activites of muscovite supported-Ni catalyst.
► The hybrid compound was intended to be used as reinforcement filler in polymer.