Composite Nanofibers of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and Amino-functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Electrospun from Dimethylsulfoxide

In this study, DMSO was used as the solvent and PAN nanofibers reinforced with amino-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) were successfully electrospun from the electrospinning solutions prepared in DMSO. The concentration of f-MWCNTs were changed as 1w% and 3w% with respect to the weight of PAN. The effect of f-MWCNT concentration on morphology, conductivity and mechanical properties of composite nanofibers were examined and compared to that of pure PAN nanofibers. Uniform composite nanofibers were obtained. The diameters of the nanofibers were in the range of 515-536 nm. The addition of the f-MWCNTs resulted in an increase in nanofiber diameter. 3w% f-MWCNT loaded PAN/f-MWCNT nanofiber showed the best mechanical properties. Conductivity increased with the incorporation of amino-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes.