Enhancement of adhesion between carbon nanotubes and polymer substrates using microwave irradiation

This paper reports the enhancement of adhesive strength between single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and polymer substrates using microwave irradiation of 0–5 min duration at 2.45 GHz and 800 W. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images, ultraviolet–visible data and four-point probe sheet resistance measurement data indicate that microwave irradiation is effective for enhancement of adhesion between SWNTs and polymer substrates. SWNTs could be locally welded onto a polymer substrate due to their active response to microwave irradiation.