Utilization of SWNT-Filled Polystyrene Obtained by Miniemulsion Polymerization as a Modifier for High-Performance Epoxy Resins

摘要

The incorporation of carbon nanotubes into polymeric matrices is faced with the challenge of obtaining an adequate dispersion throughout the matrix without destroying the integrity of the nanotubes (NTs). In the current work, we show that nanotube-polystyrene hybrid materials (SWNT-PS) can be prepared in situ under miniemulsion polymerization conditions, utilizing an aqueous cationic surfactant solution -slightly above the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The SWNT-PS nanocomposite with 8.5% nanotube loading exhibited a strong black coloration, and electrical resistivity 10~(10) orders of magnitude lower than the unmodified polymer. We also assessed the feasibility of incorporating hybrid SWNT-thermoplastic materials as modifiers for epoxy resins by using the reaction-induced phase separation concept. These results have implications for composite manufacture in the aerospace industry.