Controlling the position and morphology of nanotubes within a polymer thin film
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Controlling the position and morphology of nanotubes within a polymer thin film Emer Lahiff 1, Andrew I. Minett 1, Seamus Curran 2, Chang Y. Ryu 3, Werner J. Blau 1, Pulickel M. Ajayan 4 1 Department of Physics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland 2 Department of Physics, New Mexico State University, 155 Gardiner Hall, Las Cruces, NM 88003-0001 3 Chemistry Department, Rensellaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA 4 Materials and Engineering Department, Rensellaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA ABSTRACT We introduce a new method of producing polymer/nanotube composites where the morphology of nanotubes within the composite can be controlled. The thickness of the composite thin film can also be altered as required. Carbon nanotubes are grown from organo-metallic micro-patterns. The morphology of the tubes is determined by the conditions under which the tubes are grown and also, the type of catalyst used. These periodic nanotube arrays are then incorporated into a polymer matrix by spin-coating a curable polymer film on the as-grown tubes. The density and position of conduction channels through the thin film composite can be easily pre-determined by controlling the morphology of the embedded nanotubes. This technique of producing freestanding nanotube/polymer composite films represents a more efficient method of combining these materials for potential flexible electronic applications in an inexpensive and scalable manner. INTRODUCTION It is well known that embedded nanotubes enhance the properties of an insulating polymer by increasing mechanical strength and conductivity [1-3]. Improved mechanical strength is achieved by load transfer from the polymer matrix to the embedded tubes [4]. The large aspect ratio of the nanotubes increases the load transfer through interfacial stress. The presence of nanotube conduction paths through the composite reduces electrostatic charging of an insulating polymer material. Nanotubes are also thermally conductive thus allowing for heat dissipation to prevent over-heating and hence degradation of the polymer [5]. The high chemical resistance of tubes makes composites more durable and resistive to environmental corrosion. Potential applications for nanotube composites include; flat panel displays, sensors, flexible electronic devices, and actuators. Before realizing their full potential, the issue of economic production of controlled nanotube composites, must be overcome. We report an efficient and cost effective method of producing carbon nanotube arrays within a poly(dimethylsiloxane), PDMS, polymer matrix. The presence of nanotube conduction channels through the composite was confirmed by both scanning electron microscopy and electron force microscopy. EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS Carbon nanotubes were grown, in house, by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) using acetylene as the carbon source. The substrate used for nanotube growth was prepared by soft
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lithography patterning as described elsewhere [6-7]. Soft lithography employs the use of an elastom
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