Surface Modification of Carbon Nanofibers and Carbon Nanotubes (Chu/Hsiao):
In our laboratory, we are interested in developing practical pathways to functionalize the surface of carbon nanofiber (CNF) and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) for the preparation of polymer nanocomposites. The modification was first carried out by oxidation of CNF/MWNT to form acidic sites, and followed by amidation to form alkane amide groups. Different oxidation methods and different oxidation extents were studied. The solubility of modified-CNF in a non-polar, non-aromatic solvent, such as decalin, was investigated. This study provides important information for the dispersion of modified CNF/MWNT in non-polar, non-aromatic polymer matrix, such as polyethylene and polypropylene.
Left: Oxidized MWNT dispersed in water (the upper is decalin and the lower is water)
Right: Octadecylamide modified MWNT dispersed in declain (the upper is decalin and the lower is water)