Radiation-induced grafting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in glycidyl methacrylate–maleic acid binary aqueous solution

With the aim to improve the compatibility between multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nylon-6, purified MWCNTs (p-MWCNTs) were grafted successfully with glycidyl methacrylate–maleic acid in aqueous solution using a single-step radiation method. The chemical structure and morphology of grafted p-MWCNTs (g-MWCNTs) was investigated by micro-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The prepared nylon-6/g-MWCNTs composite has higher mechanical strength and heat distortion temperature due to improved dispersion and compatibility than those of nylon-6/p-MWCNTs.