Effect of carbon nanotubes on mechanical and electrical properties of polyimide/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) reinforced polyimide nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ polymerization using 4,4′-oxydianilline, MWNTs, and pyromellitic dianhydride followed by casting, evaporation and thermal imidization. A homogeneous dispersion of chemically modified MWNTs was achieved in polyimide matrix as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The incorporation of the modified MWNTs enhanced the mechanical properties of the polyimide due to the presence of strong interfacial interaction between the polymer matrix and the nanotubes in polymer composites. The resultant polyimide/MWNTs nanocomposites were electrically conductive with significant conductivity enhancement at 3 wt% MWNTs, which is favorable for many practical uses.