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Fabrication of composite polyaniline/CNT nanofibers using an ultrasonically assisted dynamic inverse emulsion polymerization technique
Author(s) -
Zelikman E.,
Suckeveriene R. Y.,
Mechrez G.,
Narkis M.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.1464
Subject(s) - materials science , polyaniline , emulsion polymerization , polymerization , interfacial polymerization , composite number , carbon nanotube , emulsion , polyaniline nanofibers , chemical engineering , nanofiber , scanning electron microscope , in situ polymerization , conductive polymer , polymer chemistry , composite material , polymer , monomer , engineering
Abstract This communication describes an ultrasonically assisted in‐situ dynamic inverse emulsion polymerization process of aniline in the presence of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) in toluene. During polymerization, MWNT are coated with polyaniline (PANI), forming a core‐shell structure of nano‐wires observed by high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM). The PANI coating of MWNT leads to a remarkable improvement in separation and dispersion of MWNT in toluene, which otherwise would have rapidly coagulated and settled. The presented dynamic polymerization process is very fast and produces stable clear dispersions. CNT enhances both the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of PANI. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.