Covering single walled carbon nanotubes by the poly(VDF–co–TrFE) copolymer

This Letter focuses on the first results of carbon nanotubes coated by ferroelectric copolymer. Thin films of copolymer guest/host carbon nanotube have been used as nanocomposite material. The known polyvinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene poly(VDF–co–TrFE) copolymer was used as the host matrix and the guest was the single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). The homogenous solution of nanocomposite was prepared from two independent suspensions in which two solvents were used without any problem of sedimentation. The measurements were taken on guest/host films to obtain information on the possible interactions between those materials and on the organization of SWCNT in the copolymer matrix. Also a novel procedure to improve solubility of SWCNT and to obtain nanotube/copolymer complex efficiently. This kind of nanocomposite is expected to find potential applications in actuators and nanomechanical system.