Study of surfactant modified MWNT/polyimide composites by in-situ polymerization

In this study, we attempt to enhance the electrical conductivity of polyimide (PI) by non-covalently modified multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The multiwall carbon nanotubes were first oxidized (o-CNT) and modified with nitric acid (n-CNT). The o-CNT and n-CNT were then modified with anionie surfactant (Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate) (SDBS) to improve their dispersion in the PI matrix. We also compare the properties of the surfactant modified MWNTs prepared by filtration or centrifuge. We confirmed the successful preparation of the surfactant modified MWNTs by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and UV visible spectroscopy. Furthermore, the thermal stability, electrical and mechanical properties of PI/MWNT nanocomposites can be increased through in-situ polymerization.