Dispersion and alignment of carbon nanotubes in polymer matrix: A review

Xiao Lin Xie; Yiu Wing Mai; Xing Ping Zhou

doi:10.1016/j.mser.2005.04.002

Dispersion and alignment of carbon nanotubes in polymer matrix: A review

Xiao Lin Xie, Yiu Wing Mai, Xing Ping Zhou

Research output: Journal article publication › Review article › Academic research › peer-review

1851 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites are expected to have good processability characteristics of the polymer and excellent functional properties of the CNTs. The critical challenge, however, is how to enhance dispersion and alignment of CNTs in the matrix. Here, we review recent progress and advances that have been made on: (a) dispersion of CNTs in a polymer matrix, including optimum blending, in situ polymerization and chemical functionalization; and (b) alignment of CNTs in the matrix enhanced by ex situ techniques, force and magnetic fields, electrospinning and liquid crystalline phase-induced methods. In addition, discussions on mechanical, thermal, electrical, electrochemical, optical and super-hydrophobic properties; and applications of polymer/CNT composites are included. Enhanced dispersion and alignment of CNTs in the polymer matrix will promote and extend the applications and developments of polymer/CNT nanocomposites.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	89-112
Number of pages	24
Journal	Materials Science and Engineering R: Reports
Volume	49
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mser.2005.04.002
Publication status	Published - 19 May 2005
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Alignment
Applications
Carbon nanotubes
Dispersion
Polymer nanocomposites

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Materials Science
Mechanics of Materials
Mechanical Engineering

More information

10.1016/j.mser.2005.04.002

Cite this

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AU - Mai, Yiu Wing

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Dispersion and alignment of carbon nanotubes in polymer matrix: A review

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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