The Influence of Reaction Time on Non-Covalent Functionalisation of P3HT/MWCNT Nanocomposites

Non-covalent functionalisation of the carbon nanotube (CNT) sidewall through polymer wrapping is the key strategy for improving well-dispersed CNTs without persistent alteration of their electronic properties. In this work, the effect of reaction time on regioregular poly (3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT)-wrapped hydroxylated multi-walled CNT (MWCNT-OH) nanocomposites was investigated. Five different reaction times (24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h) were conducted at room temperature in order to clearly determine the factors that influenced the quality of wrapped MWCNT-OH. Morphological analysis using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopic (FESEM) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) analysis showed that P3HT successfully wrapped the MWCNT-OH sidewall, evidenced by the changes in the mean diameter size of the nanocomposites. Results obtained from Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) as well as Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) showed a significant effect of the wrapped polymer on the CNT sidewall as the reaction time increased. Overall, the method used during the preparation of P3HT-wrapped MWCNT-OH and the presented results significantly provided a bottom-up approach to determine the effect of different reaction times on polymer wrapping to further expand this material for novel applications, especially chemical sensors.

Morphology Studies of SWCNT Dispersed in Conducting Polymer as Potential Sensing Materials

Novel electronic nanomaterial, the carbon nanotube (CNT) has emerged in many sensor applications as such its state dispersion has considerable importance to ensure the sustainability of its electronic properties. In this paper, we reported a state of art conductivity mapping on nanostructure surface of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl), (P3HT) as potential sensing film. This composite is proposed to give selective analyte anchoring across the film as well as improved carrier mobility. The easy solution processing method was chosen to produce non-covalently wrapped conducting polymer onto the surface of SWCNT. We successfully observed high resolution images of the SWCNT walls that indicated increase of the thickness due to polymer wrapping. The image obtained from conductivity atomic force microscopy (CAFM) show the film’s electrical distribution that correlated with the observed nanostructure of film. Supporting optical characteristics of the nanocomposite obtained from UV-Vis spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy discussed the morphology of the polymer wrapping and the state of dispersion of the polymer and the nanotubes. It is hypothesized the filament structures made by P3HT/SWCNT can give better sensing performance due to modification of π-π electronic band of SWCNT.

Separation of Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes Using Conjugated Polymer Wrapping

In the past two decades, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been explored for electronic applications because of their high charge carrier mobility, low-temperature solution processability and mechanical flexibility. Semiconducting SWNTs (s-SWNTs) are also considered an alternative to traditional silicon-based semiconductors. However, large-scale, as-produced SWNTs have poor solubility, and they are mixtures of metallic SWNTs (m-SWNTs) and s-SWNTs, which limits their practical applications. Conjugated polymer wrapping is a promising method to disperse and separate s-SWNTs, due to its high selectivity, high separation yield and simplicity of operation. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of the conjugated polymer wrapping method, and discuss possible separation mechanisms for s-SWNTs. We also discuss various parameters that may affect the selectivity and sorting yield. Finally, some electronic applications of polymer-sorted s-SWNTs are introduced. The aim of this review is to provide polymer chemist a basic concept of polymer based SWNT separation, as well as some polymer design strategies, influential factors and potential applications.

Compressive behavior of circular and square concrete column externally confined by different types of basalt fiber–reinforced polymer

This article studies the compressive behavior of concrete columns confined by different basalt fiber–reinforced polymers. A total of 30 columns were divided into 10 groups according to section shapes (circular and square), basalt fiber–reinforced polymer types (unidirectional basalt fiber–reinforced polymer, bidirectional basalt fiber–reinforced polymer, and hybrid basalt fiber–reinforced polymer/carbon fiber–reinforced polymers), and number of layers (0, 1, and 2). The test results showed that the compressive strengths of confined specimens increased by 20%–71% for circular columns and by 23%–41% for square columns. Similarly, the ultimate strains improved by 49%–296% for circular specimens and by 45%–145% for square specimens. The two-layer basalt fiber–reinforced polymer jacket had the best confinement effect, whereas the confining effect of bidirectional basalt fiber–reinforced polymer wrapping was relatively lower than that of unidirectional basalt fiber–reinforced polymer wrapping. Moreover, both the strength and ultimate strain of confined concrete improved with increasing number of basalt fiber–reinforced polymer layers. Finite element numerical models were also developed and verified by experimental results, and then the stress distributions of basalt fiber–reinforced polymer jackets and cross-sectional concrete were presented. Based on the test results and experimental data from several existing studies, modified strength and ultimate strain models were further developed for basalt fiber–reinforced polymer-confined circular and square columns.

Polymer wrapping-induced dispersion of single walled carbon nanotubes in ethylene glycol under mild sonication

The dispersion of bundled SWCNTs via helical wrapping of polymer chains along their sidewalls.