Surface modification of multi-wall carbon nanotube with ultraviolet-curable hyperbranched polymer

Surface modification is a general and efficient approach to improve the compatibility of carbon nanotube (CNT) with various matrixes. Here we report the modification of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) with hyperbranched polymer which contains UV reactive functional groups. The modification promotes the incorporation of CNT into UV-curable resin, and when cured under UV irradiation to form a homogeneous film, the CNT will be chemically bonded with the matrix by crosslinking photopolymerization. For the unique mechanical properties of CNT, the mechanical properties of the cured MWCNT/UV-curable resin film were greatly improved compared with pure resin film as indicated by the increasing of Young's modulus, tensile strength, and toughness.