Functionalization of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes in Chemical Solution of H₂SO₄/HNO₃ and its Dispersion in Different Media

Abstract:

The usage of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as reinforcement has been limited due to difficulties associated with dispersion of MWCNTs during the processing and poor adhesion between MWCNTs and matrix. In this paper, the effect of chemical functionalization with strong acid on the dispersion of MWCNTs were studied. The functionalization of MWCNTs were performed in chemical solution of sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃) with ratio of 3:1 and prepared at 80°C for 4 hours. The pristine MWCNTs (PMWCNTs) and acid treated MWCNTs (AMWCNTs) were analyzed using TEM, XRD, FTIR and Pycnometer density. The effect of dispersion of PMWCNTs and AMWCNTs was studied in three different matrices which are in aqueous media (distilled water), metal matrix and polymer matrix. The XRD results determined that the impurities in pristine MWCNTs such as NiZn₃ have been removed after the purification process. The presence of carboxylic acid (-COOH) and hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups were determined using FT-IR. Based on the dispersion analysis in aqueous media, PMWCNTs were poor in suspension stability. While, the TEM images showed less agglomeration of the AMWCNTs compared to PMWCNTs and obtained a uniform dispersion in metal matrix (Cu) and polymer (epoxy) matrix composites.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 882)
• Pages: 103-107
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.882.103
• Online since: January 2017
• Authors: Nor Shamimi Shaari*, Napisah Sapiai, Aidah Jumahat, Muhammad Hussain Ismail
• Keywords: CNTs Dispersion, Functionalization, MWCNTs

References

[1] E. Thostenson, Z. Ren, and T. -W. Chou, Advances in the science and technology of carbon nanotubes and their composites: a review, Compos. Sci. Technol., vol. 61, no. 13, p.1899–1912, Oct. (2001).

DOI: 10.1016/s0266-3538(01)00094-x

[2] P. Jenei, J. Gubicza, E. Y. Yoon, H. S. Kim, and J. L. Lábár, High temperature thermal stability of pure copper and copper–carbon nanotube composites consolidated by High Pressure Torsion, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf., vol. 51, p.71–79, Aug. (2013).

DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2013.04.007

[3] A. G. Osorio, I. C. L. Silveira, V. L. Bueno, and C. P. Bergmann, H2SO4/HNO3/HCl—Functionalization and its effect on dispersion of carbon nanotubes in aqueous media, Appl. Surf. Sci., vol. 255, no. 5, p.2485–2489, Dec. (2008).

DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2008.07.144

[4] S. I. Cha, K. T. Kim, S. N. Arshad, C. B. Mo, and S. H. Hong, Extraordinary Strengthening Effect of Carbon Nanotubes in Metal-Matrix Nanocomposites Processed by Molecular-Level Mixing, Adv. Mater., vol. 17, no. 11, p.1377–1381, Jun. (2005).

DOI: 10.1002/adma.200401933

[5] V. T. Pham, V. A. Nguyen, H. T. Bui, D. C. Le, V. C. Nguyen, V. L. Nguyen, D. P. Doan, and N. M. Phan, A method to obtain homogeneously dispersed carbon nanotubes in Al powders for preparing Al/CNTs nanocomposite, Adv. Nat. Sci. Nanosci. Nanotechnol., vol. 4, no. 2, p.025015, Apr. (2013).

DOI: 10.1088/2043-6262/4/2/025015

[6] A. S. Muhsan, F. Ahmad, N. M. Mohamed, P. S. M. Megat Yusoff, and M. Rafi Raza, Uniform Dispersion of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes in Copper Matrix Nanocomposites Using Metal Injection Molding Technique, Int. J. Manuf. Eng., vol. 2013, p.1–9, (2013).

DOI: 10.1155/2013/386141

[7] V. Datsyuk, M. Kalyva, K. Papagelis, J. Parthenios, D. Tasis, A. Siokou, I. Kallitsis, and C. Galiotis, Chemical oxidation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, vol. 6, p.2–9, (2008).

DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2008.02.012

[8] L. Stobinski, B. Lesiak, L. Kövér, J. Tóth, S. Biniak, G. Trykowski, and J. Judek, Multiwall carbon nanotubes purification and oxidation by nitric acid studied by the FTIR and electron spectroscopy methods, J. Alloys Compd., vol. 501, no. 1, p.77–84, Jul. (2010).

DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2010.04.032

[9] J. Y. Choi, S. W. Han, W. S. Huh, L. S. Tan, and J. B. Baek, In situ grafting of carboxylic acid-terminated hyperbranched poly(ether-ketone) to the surface of carbon nanotubes, Polymer (Guildf)., vol. 48, no. 14, p.4034–4040, Jun. (2007).

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2007.04.073

[10] M. J. O'Connell, Carbon Nanotubes: Properties and Application, Taylor & Franis Group, (2006).

[11] A. Nasiri, M. Shariaty-Niasar, A. M. Rashidi, and R. Khodafarin, Effect of CNT structures on thermal conductivity and stability of nanofluid, Int. J. Heat Mass Transf., vol. 55, no. 5–6, p.1529–1535, Feb. (2012).

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2011.11.004