Influence of polarity on filling polymer molecules into carbon nanotubes

Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, we studied the influence of polarity of polymer chains and modified single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) on filling polymer chains into SWNTs. The center of mass (COM) distance and the interaction energy between the polymer molecules and SWNTs, as well as non-bond energy (including van der Waals energy and electrostatics energy) differences (ΔE) between initial structure and final structure in the SWNTs–polymers systems were calculated. The simulations indicate that both the polarity of polymer molecules and the polarity of modified groups attached to SWNTs can obstruct filling polymer chains into SWNTs. The general conclusions may be of importance in the production of high-performance SWNTs–polymers nanocomposites and have important theoretical significance on the application of carbon nanotubes as drug carrier and transportation channels.