Processing of Transparent Polymer Nanotube Composites via Heat, UV Radiation and Ionizing (gamma) Radiation using Ultras
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M2.4.1
Processing of Transparent Polymer Nanotube Composites via Heat, UV Radiation and Ionizing (gamma) Radiation using Ultrasonication and Solvent Dissolution L. M. Clayton, P. A. O’Rourke Muisener, and J. P. Harmon1* Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620-5250, U.S.A. A. K. Sikder and A. Kumar Center for Microelectronics Research, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620-5250, U.S.A. A. M. Cassell3, and M. Cinke3 , M. Meyyappan2 2 NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, U.S.A. 3 Eloret Corporation * Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Poly (methyl methacrylate)/single walled carbon nanotube (PMMA/SWNT) composites were polymerized in the presence of carbon nanotubes via three methods: heat, uv radiation and ionizing radiation (gamma). Samples were solvent processed and cast into films. Thin films with varying degrees of transparency resulted from these composites. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) characterized glass transition temperatures. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) quantified the transparency of composites. The dielectric constant (ε’) was obtained from Dielectric Analysis (DEA) and correlated to the refractive index values using Maxwell’s Relationship. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provided images of the polymer- nanotube composite. INTRODUCTION
Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT), discovered by Iijima [1], have moved to the forefront of present and future nanoscale discoveries and will enhance modern technology. Many different applications of carbon nanotubes have recently been developed, including the use of nanoscale transistors [2] and chemical sensors [3]. Since carbon nanotubes exhibit a high aspect ratio, mechanical strength, and high moduli, there is a great interest in fabricating polymernanotube composites [4-9]. Various methods are currently used to disperse the carbon nanotubes in the polymer matrix and these include: solution mixing of polymer and carbon nanotubes [4]; a combination of sonication and melt processing [5], melt blending [6], and in-situ polymerization in the presence of nanotubes [7].
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The chemical modification of nanotubes further broadens their uses in polymeric composites. Experimental results indicate that certain free radical initiators open π bonds in carbon nanotubes. Indeed, when present during the addition polymerization of methyl methacrylate, carbon nanotubes have been shown to participate in the polymerization process [7]. Such structural modifications in carbon nanotubes have the potential of altering and enhancing transparency in composites. Another goal is to fabricate composites that maintain or increase the ability of optical polymers to transmit ligh
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