Title: Solubility, dispersion and bonding of functionalised carbon nanotubes in epoxy resins

Authors: Charles Baudot, Cher Ming Tan

Addresses: Post-Silicon Technologies, STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., 7, Serangoon North Avenue 5, 554812, Singapore. ' School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Block S2, Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes as fillers in an epoxy matrix for mechanical reinforcement and heat diffusion enhancement are tested. We demonstrate a method to covalently graft functional molecules on carbon nanotubes to alter the filler/matrix interface incompatibilities, making the carbon nanotubes become soluble in epoxies and allows better homogenisation of the fillers in the matrix. As a result, the carbon nanotubes will bond to the epoxy matrix during polymerisation, and thus create a better mechanical strength and heat transfer enhancement.

Keywords: carbon nanotubes; functionalisation; epoxy composites; n-butyllithium; nanotechnology; mechanical reinforcement; heat diffusion enhancement; polymerisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2009.025300

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2009 Vol.6 No.7/8, pp.618 - 627

Published online: 18 May 2009 *

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