Dispersion and Performance Properties of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) Based Polymer Composites: A Review

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based polymer composites have variety of engineering applications (electromagnetic shielding, antistatic coatings, high-strength low-density corrosion-resistant components, lightweight energy storage and many more);due to their excellent mechanical, electrical, chemical, magnetic, etc. properties. In the polymer nanocomposites CNTs are dispersed in the polymeric matrix. However the dispersion may be uniform or may not be uniform. The biggest challenge is the effective dispersion of individual CNTs in the polymer matrices, as CNTs tends to form clusters and bundles due to strong van der Waals’ forces of attraction. The aggregated structure continue until physical (Mechanical) or chemical modification (Encapsulation/surface modification) of CNTs. Few modification methods such as vigorous mixing of the polymers damages CNTs structure, and may hinder their properties. But these problems can be overcome by mechanical or chemical modification of CNTs surfaces. In the chemical modification, the modifier or the long tail surfactant may encapsulate and/or partially wrap the CNTs surfaces. In this review, recent work on CNTs based polymer nanocomposite is carried out with few modifiers/encapsulating agents. Incorporation of CNTs in polymer matrix changes the performance properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, toughness, Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), etc. The phase morphology of the composite materials throws light on the properties of CNTs based polymer nanocomposite. Moreover phase morphology may be directly correlated with the behavior of the material, hence reviewed here through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore review is also carried out on the non-isothermal crystallization (DSC) and rheology of CNTs polymer nanocomposite.

原位生长的CNTs@MoS_(2)杂化物增强水性膨胀型防火涂料的耐火和隔热性能

目的设计并研制一种耐火和隔热性能突出的水性膨胀型防火涂料。方法以碳纳米管(CNTs)、四水合钼酸铵、十六烷基溴化铵(CTAB)、硫脲为原料,通过简单的一步水热法原位生长出一种新型的CNTs@MoS_(2)杂化物,并采用FT-IR、XRD、拉曼光谱、SEM等手段对复合杂化物进行表征。再将CNTs@MoS_(2)杂化物作为增效剂分散在水性膨胀型防火涂料(CNTs@MoS_(2)/WES)中,通过大板实验和涂层、炭焦层表面分析评价了涂层的耐火和隔热性能。结果与WES(膨胀倍率为3.90)、CNTs/WES涂层(膨胀倍率为6.04)、MoS_(2)/WES涂层(膨胀倍率为4.59)相比,CNTs@MoS_(2)/WES涂层具有最高的膨胀倍率(8.88)。CNTs@MoS_(2)/WES涂层所涂覆的钢板在燃烧40min后背面温度最低(133.3℃),这充分表明该涂层具有优异的隔热性能。结论制备的CNTs@MoS_(2)杂化物表现出稳定的网络交织结构,有效提高了它在涂料中的分散性能。此外,CNTs@MoS_(2)/WES涂层优异的耐火和隔热性能主要归因于:1)CNTs@MoS_(2)/WES涂层及其炭焦层具有更致密和完整的表面,阻隔了热量的传递;2)CNTs的添加增强了炭焦层的致密性,抑制了膨胀过程中产生的气体泄漏,提升了涂层膨胀倍率;3)MoS_(2)提高了膨胀层强度且促进了炭焦层的形成,减少了裂纹和孔隙的产生。

Study on Low-Temperature Properties of the Asphalt Modified by Carbon Nanotubes(CNTs)and Crumb Rubber(CR)

The effect of adding crumb rubber(CR)and carbon nanotubes(CNTs)on the low-temperature properties of virgin asphalt was studied.Using the force-ductility test and the bending beam rheometer(BBR)test,the deformation resistance and rheological properties of asphalt samples at low temperatures were evaluated,respectively.Based on the result of BBR test,the creep functions of the Burgers model and the Zener model were used to fit the low-temperature creep characteristics of the asphalt samples.Furthermore,the differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)test and the attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(ATR-FTIR)test were utilized to appraise the low-temperature stability and chemical properties of asphalt samples,respectively.The results showed that CR significantly improved the low-temperature properties of virgin asphalt,while CNTs had little effect.Moreover,during the degradation of CR,aromatic and aliphatic components were released.In particular,the aliphatic components of CR-modified asphalt were much higher than those of virgin asphalt,which had a significant effect on improving the low-temperature properties of the asphalt.The DSC test results showed that CR enhanced the low-temperature stability of the asphalt,while the addition of CNTs presented a slightly negative effect.

Effects of Orientation of Carbon Nanotubes on CNT Bundle Based Silk Composite Using Finite Element Method

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have exceptional mechanical properties. They are the stiffest and strongest material, yet discovered, because of their high length to diameter ratio. In this paper a Representative Volume Element (RVE) model of CNT-silk composite is made. Then the orientations of the CNTs in the composite are varied and the effects of this variation are observed. The change is mainly observed between the interfaces of CNT and silk. Also there is a change in Young’s Modulus. COMSOL Multiphysics 4.2a is used for building model and performing simulations.

Preparation and characterization of new photocatalyst combined MWCNTs with TiO_2 nanotubes

A new type of photocatalysts MWCNTs/TiO2-NTs nanocomposites prepared by combining multi-walled carbon nanotube(MWCNTs) with TiO2-derived nanotubes were synthesized by a modified hydrothermal method. The SEM,XRD,UV-Vis and TG-DTG were used to characterize its property. The produced MWCNTs/TiO2-NTs nanocomposites were used as the catalysts for photo-degradation of aquatic humic substances,Their photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated by the photodegradation of humic acid in an aqueous solution under ultraviolet light irradiation. The results show MWCNTs could enhance the activity of the photocatalysts;the best degradation efficiency was obtained by using MWCNTs/TiO2-NTs nanocomposites containing 20% MWCNTs as the photo-catalyst.

SiO_(2)溶胶和CNTs杂化增强水泥基复合材料性能研究

采用超声波法制备了SiO_(2)溶胶-碳纳米管(CNTs)分散液,研究了SiO_(2)溶胶-CNTs分散液对水泥基复合材料性能的影响,并用SEM、EDS、XRD微观测试方法对其进行了表征。结果表明:以SiO_(2)溶胶为分散介质,通过超声波法能够实现CNTs在水泥基复合材料中的均匀分散;掺1.5%的SiO_(2)溶胶和0.15%的CNTs能进一步提高砂浆的力学性能;SiO_(2)溶胶的火山灰活性消耗了砂浆中多余的水化产物Ca(OH)_(2),形成C-S-H凝胶密实了砂浆结构,CNTs在水泥浆体和细骨料界面之间起到纤维增强的作用,细化了孔隙,填补了微裂缝,降低了孔隙率。

Carbon nanotube and graphene reinforced magnesium matrix composites:A state-of-the-art review

Magnesium(Mg)composites reinforced with carbon-based nanomaterial(CBN)often exhibit low density,enhanced strength,good conductivity,improved wear resistance,and excellent biocompatibility when compared to current industry Mg alloys.This review aims to critically evaluate recent developments in Mg-CBN composites and is divided into five sections:First,a brief introduction to Mg-CBN composites is provided,followed by a discussion of different fabrication techniques for these composites,including powder metallurgy,casting,friction stir processing,and selective laser melting.A particular focus is on the current processing challenges,including dispersion strategies to create homogeneous Mg-CBN composites.The effect of processing on the quantifying disorder in CBNs and distinguishing different sp2carbon materials is also highlighted.Then,the effect of CBN on various properties of Mg-CBN composites is thoroughly analyzed,and the strengthening efficiency of CNTs and graphene in the Mg matrix is examined.Finally,the potential applications of Mg-CBN composites in various industries are proposed,followed by a summary and suggestions for future research directions in the field of Mg-CBN composites.

油气井碳纳米管(CNTs)复合固井水泥断裂性能热损伤机制

利用半圆盘三点弯曲试验研究碳纳米管(CNTs)质量分数分别为0.05%、0.10%和0.30%的复合固井水泥试样在25、50、100和200℃下断裂力学性能损伤规律。研究结果表明:随外部温度增高,CNTs复合固井水泥试样三点弯曲加载下断裂形式由脆断过渡为韧性断裂;CNTs质量分数相同的试样Ⅰ型断裂韧度随外部温度的增高呈对数形式降低;CNTs复合固井水泥试样断裂速率随外部温度升高呈指数下降趋势,与材料在高温下由脆转韧的规律一致;随着外部温度升高试样断裂压缩功降低,温度对CNTs复合固井水泥材料的热损伤效应非常显著。CNTs质量分数为0.10%时,CNTs加入能协调水化矿物间的热膨胀差异,提升CNTs复合固井水泥材料高温下的抗裂性能。

Carbon nanotubes:Evaluation of toxicity at biointerfaces

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a class of carbon allotropes with interesting properties that make them productive materials for usage in various disciplines of nanotechnology such as in electronics equipments, optics and therapeutics. They exhibit distinguished properties viz., strength, and high electrical and heat conductivity. Their uniqueness can be attributed due to the bonding pattern present between the atoms which are very strong and also exhibit high extreme aspect ratios. CNTs are classified as singlewalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the basis of number of sidewalls present and the way they are arranged spatially. Application of CNTs to improve the performance of many products, especially in healthcare, has led to an occupational and public exposure to these nanomaterials. Hence, it becomes a major concern to analyze the issues pertaining to the toxicity of CNTs and find the best suitable ways to counter those challenges. This review summarizes the toxicity issues of CNTs in vitro and in vivo in different organ systems (bio interphases) of the body that result in cellular toxicity.

An Overview of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene for Biosensing Applications

With the development of carbon nanomaterials in recent years, there has been an explosion of interests in using carbon nanotubes(CNTs) and graphene for developing new biosensors. It is believed that employing CNTs and graphene as sensor components can make sensors more reliable, accurate, and fast due to their remarkable properties. Depending on the types of target molecular, different strategies can be applied to design sensor device. This review article summarized the important progress in developing CNT-and graphene-based electrochemical biosensors, field-effect transistor biosensors, and optical biosensors. Although CNTs and graphene have led to some groundbreaking discoveries, challenges are still remained and the state-of-the-art sensors are far from a practical application. As a conclusion, future effort has to be made through an interdisciplinary platform, including materials science, biology, and electric engineering.

Dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in aluminum powders

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were treated with the reflux within the concentrated nitric acid for 0-25 h to purify and disperse the tangled MWNTs. The effect of reflux time on the morphology and the weight loss of MWNTs were investigated. Meanwhile,the dispersion of MWNTs with 0-2.0 wt.% in 2024Al powders using mechanical stirring with an assisting ultrasonic shaker in ethanol was also studied. The results show that the reflux time markedly affects the morphology of MWNTs. The weight loss of MWNTs increases as the reflux time increases. When the content of MWNTs is less than 1.0 wt.%,MWNTs can uniformly distribute on the surface of 2024Al powders; however,when the content of MWNTs is 2.0 wt.%,MWNTs entangle with each other on the surface of 2024Al powders.

原位合成CNTs/Cu-Al_(2)O_(3)复合材料的性能研究

对Al的质量分数分别为0.20%,0.35%,0.60%的Cu-Al合金粉末进行内氧化,得到CuAl_(2)O_(3)粉末。采用化学气相沉积法在Cu-Al_(2)O_(3)粉末表面原位生长碳纳米管(carbon nano tubes,CNTs),采用放电等离子烧结工艺成功制备了CNTs/Cu-Al_(2)O_(3)复合材料。采用扫描电子显微镜和透射电子显微镜观察了CNTs/Cu-Al_(2)O_(3)复合粉末、复合材料断口的形貌。采用显微硬度计、微拉伸试验机、摩擦磨损试验机分别对纯Cu及复合材料的维氏硬度、抗拉强度、摩擦因数进行测试。采用电化学工作站测试复合材料在3.5%NaCl(质量分数)水溶液中的耐腐蚀性能。结果表明,随着Al的质量分数的增加,粉末表面合成的CNTs的数量也增多。Al的质量分数为0.35%时,CNTs/Cu-Al_(2)O_(3)复合材料的综合性能最佳,与纯Cu相比,复合材料的抗拉强度和腐蚀电势分别提高了86.4%和43.2%,分别为315 MPa和-0.268 V,摩擦因数降低了53.3%,仅为0.28。

Electroless plating Ni-P matrix composite coating reinforced by carbon nanotubes

Ni-P matrix composite coating reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was deposit ed by electroless plating. The most important factors that influence the content of carbon nanotubes in deposits,such as agitation,surfactant and carbon nanot ubes concentration in the plating bath were investigated. The surface morphology,structure and properties of the Ni-P-CNTs coating were examined. It is found that the maximum content of carbon nanotubes in the deposits is independent of carbon nanotubes concentration in the plating bath when it is up to 5 mg/L. The test results show that the carbon nanotubes co-deposited do not change the str ucture of the Ni-P matrix of the composite coating,but greatly increase the ha rdness and wear resistance and decrease the friction coefficient of the Ni-P-C NTs composite coating with increasing content of carbon nanotubes in deposits.

IR study on surface chemical properties of catalytic grown carbon nanotubes and nanofibers

In this study, the surface chemical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) grown by catalytic decomposition of methane on nickel and cobalt based catalysts were studied by DRIFT (Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform) and transmission Infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The results show that the surface exists not only carbon-hydrogen groups, but also carboxyl, ketene or quinone (carbonyl) oxygen-containing groups. These functional groups were formed in the process of the material growth, which result in large amount of chemical defect sites on the walls.

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminum composites synthesized by hot press sintering and squeeze casting

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have high mechanical properties and are considered a kind of realistic reinforcement for polymers, ceramics and metals. The hot press sintering and squeeze casting were adopted to synthesize MWNTs reinforced aluminum composites. In hot press sintered MWNTs/Al composites, MWNTs agglomerates distribute along aluminum powders and have low bonding strength with aluminum. But MWNTs agglomerates distribute evenly in the squeeze cast MWNTs/Al composites. Some dispersed nanotubes bond well with aluminum matrix and few dislocations can be found in the nanotube areas, which implies little thermal residual stress in squeeze cast MWNTs/Al composites. This indicates that the strengthen mechanisms in nanometer sized MWNTs/Al composites may be different from that in micrometer sized whisker composites.

Ag-doped CNT/HAP nanohybrids in a PLLA bone scaffold show significant antibacterial activity

Bacterial infection is a major problem following bone implant surgery.Moreover,poly-l-lactic acid/carbon nanotube/hydroxyapatite(PLLA/CNT/HAP)bone scaffolds possess enhanced mechanical properties and show good bioactiv-ityregardingbonedefectregeneration.Inthisstudy,wesynthesizedsilver(Ag)-dopedCNT/HAP(CNT/Ag-HAP)nanohybrids via the partial replacing of calcium ions(Ca2+)in the HAP lattice with silver ions(Ag+)using an ion doping technique under hydrothermal conditions.Specifically,the doping process was induced using the special lattice structure of HAP and the abundant surface oxygenic functional groups of CNT,and involved the partial replacement of Ca2+in the HAP lattice by doped Ag+as well as the in situ synthesis of Ag-HAP nanoparticles on CNT in a hydrothermal environment.The result-ing CNT/Ag-HAP nanohybrids were then introduced into a PLLA matrix via laser-based powder bed fusion(PBF-LB)to fabricate PLLA/CNT/Ag-HAP scaffolds that showed sustained antibacterial activity.We then found that Ag+,which pos-sesses broad-spectrum antibacterial activity,endowed PLLA/CNT/Ag-HAP scaffolds with this activity,with an antibacterial effectiveness of 92.65%.This antibacterial effect is due to the powerful effect of Ag+against bacterial structure and genetic material,as well as the physical destruction of bacterial structures due to the sharp edge structure of CNT.In addition,the scaffold possessed enhanced mechanical properties,showing tensile and compressive strengths of 8.49 MPa and 19.72 MPa,respectively.Finally,the scaffold also exhibited good bioactivity and cytocompatibility,including the ability to form apatite layers and to promote the adhesion and proliferation of human osteoblast-like cells(MG63 cells).

Experimental and theoretical study on field emission properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles decorated carbon nanotubes

Field emission properties of zinc oxide （ZnO） nanoparticles （NPs） decorated carbon nanotubes （CNTs） are investigated experimentally and theoretically. CNTs are in situ decorated with ZnO NPs during the growth process by chemical vapor deposition using a carbon source from the iron phthalocyanine pyrolysis. The experimental field emission test shows that the ZnO NP decoration significantly improves the emission current from 50 μA to 275 μA at 550 V and the reduced threshold voltage from 450 V to 350 V. The field emission mechanism of ZnO NPs on CNTs is theoretically studied by the density functional theory （DFT） combined with the Penn-Plummer method. The ZnO NPs reconstruct the ZnO-CNT structure and pull down the surface barrier of the entire emitter system to 0.49 eV so as to reduce the threshold electric field. The simulation results suggest that the presence of ZnO NPs would increase the LDOS near the Fermi level and increase the emission current. The calculation results are consistent with the experiment results.

Field emission of carbon nanotube array with normal-gate cold cathode

A hexagon pitch carbon nanotube （CNT） array vertical to the normal gate of cold cathode field emission displayer （FED） is simulated by solving the Laplace equation. The calculated results show that the normal gate causes the electric field around the CNT tops to be concentrated and the emission electron beam becomes a column. The field enhancement factor and the emission current intensity step up greatly compared with those of the diode structure. Emission current density increases rapidly with the decrease of normal-gate aperture. The gate voltage exerts a critical influence on the emission current.

Carbon nanotubes on unsteady MHD non-Darcy flow over porous wedge in presence of thermal radiation energy

The thermal radiation energy is the clean energy with a much lower environmental impact than the conventional energy. The objective of the present work is to investigate theoretically the effect of copper nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes （CNTs） in the presence of base fluid （water） with the variable stream condition due to the thermal radiation energy. Single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWCNTs） in the presence of base fluid flow over a porous wedge play a significant role compared to those of copper nanoparticles on absorbing the incident solar radiation and transiting it to the working fluid by convection.