Microstructure and shape memory effect of acidic carbon nanotubes reinforced polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites

Fei Peng Du, En Zhou Ye, Chak Yin Tang, Sun Pui Ng, Xing Ping Zhou, Xiao Lin Xie

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Specimens of acidic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (AMWNTs) reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposites (AMWNTs-PVA) were prepared using different amounts of AMWNTs by the traditional solution casting, involving ultrasonic wave agitation. The microstructures and tensile properties of AMWNTs-PVA were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and quasi-static tensile testing. AMWNTs had good compatibility with PVA and dispersed evenly in the PVA matrix. The incorporation of AMWNTs improved the tensile modulus and strength of the PVA. The shape recovery testing revealed the shape recovery capacity of AMWNTs-PVA. It was observed that the recovery ratio increased, and the shape recovery rate slightly decrease with the increase of AMWNTs content. The results showed that the AMWNTs had strong interaction with the segments of the PVA and hence affected the shape recovery behavior of PVA.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1299-1305
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume129
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Aug 2013

Keywords

  • composites
  • stimuli-sensitive polymers
  • structure-property relations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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