Interfacial characteristics of carbon nanotube-polymer composites: A review

Recent research on the interfacial characteristics of carbon nanotube-polymer nanocomposites is reviewed. The state of knowledge in the characteristics of the interface between the carbon nanotubes and the polymer matrix is presented. Emphasis is placed on the progress of the relationships between interfacial characteristics and nanocomposite properties. Research methodologies used in studying the characteristics of the interface are described. Challenges and opportunities associated with the characterization of the interface are discussed. Critical issues in the research on the interactions at the interface are reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of covalent and non-covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes are delineated. Furthermore, how the properties of the nanocomposites depend on the characteristics of the interface is discussed. The latest developments of the techniques for interface characterization are reviewed, and the strengths and limitations of these techniques are discussed. Potential topics of oncoming focus are finally highlighted.