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Plasma Functionalization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Their Use in the Preparation of Nylon 6‐Based Nanohybrids
Author(s) -
Scaffaro Roberto,
Maio Andrea,
Agnello Simonpietro,
Glisenti Antonella
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
plasma processes and polymers
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1612-8869
pISSN - 1612-8850
DOI - 10.1002/ppap.201100140
Subject(s) - surface modification , materials science , carbon nanotube , polyamide , scanning electron microscope , raman spectroscopy , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , wetting , polymer , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , nylon 6 , composite material , chemical engineering , ultimate tensile strength , optics , physics , engineering
The possibility to obtain carbon nanotubes (CNT)/polyamide 6 composites with excellent mechanical properties in a simple, industrially scalable way is investigated. Commercial CNTs are treated by plasma while changing some key parameters (exposure time, plasma power, type of gas) in order to optimize the process and to achieve a sufficient degree of functionalization. The treated samples are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The most interesting samples are selected to be used as reinforcing fillers, in different concentrations, in a polyamide 6 matrix. The mechanical tests show a dramatic increase of both tensile and impact properties, due to the achievement of a good wettability, and an efficient dispersion of the CNTs in the polymer matrix, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy observations.