Non-destructive functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with naphthalene-containing polymer for high performance Nylon66/multi-walled carbon nanotube composites

A new compatibilizer, poly(vinyl benzyloxy methyl naphthalene)-g-poly(t-butyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid), was synthesized for Nylon 66 (N66)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites. It has been shown that the naphthalene unit in the main chain of the compatibilizer interacts with MWCNTs by π–π interaction and that the carboxylic acid unit in the graft chain of the compatibilizer interacts with the amide group of N66. The use of the compatibilizer produces well-dispersed MWCNTs in N66 matrix, which results in improved mechanical and electrical properties of the composites, while the simple mixture of N66/MWNCTs without the compatibilizer exhibits poor mechanical and electrical properties due to severe aggregation of MWCNTs. It is also found that the compatibilizer with a small amount of carboxylic acids is more effective for improving the mechanical and electrical properties of N66/MWCNT composites.

Graphical abstractMain and graft chains of a new compatibilizer, PVBMN-g-P(tBMA-co-MAA), interact with MWCNTs and Nylon 66, respectively, which results in exfoliation of MWCNTs in Nylon 66, leading to improvement of mechanical and electrical properties of nylon 66.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► (PVBMN-g-P(tBMA-co-MAA)) is synthesized as a compatibilizer for Nylon 66/MWCNTs. ► Main and graft chains of the compatibilizer interact with MWCNTs and Nylon 66. ► The use of the compatibilizer produces well-dispersed MWCNTs in Nylon 66 matrix. ► The use of the compatibilizer improves the mechanical and electrical properties.