Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Carbon Nanotubes

TLDR

Carbon nanotube materials and their suspensions are briefly summarized. The review examines the current state of polymer nanocomposites incorporating single‑wall or multi‑wall carbon nanotubes. The review critiques fabrication methods—solution mixing, melt mixing, and in situ polymerization—emphasizing nanotube dispersion, and discusses how mechanical, electrical, rheological, thermal, and flammability properties depend on nanotube size, aspect ratio, loading, dispersion, and alignment. The review identifies challenges and opportunities for translating the extraordinary properties of carbon nanotubes into polymer matrices to advance this emerging field.

Abstract

We review the present state of polymer nanocomposites research in which the fillers are single-wall or multiwall carbon nanotubes. By way of background we provide a brief synopsis about carbon nanotube materials and their suspensions. We summarize and critique various nanotube/polymer composite fabrication methods including solution mixing, melt mixing, and in situ polymerization with a particular emphasis on evaluating the dispersion state of the nanotubes. We discuss mechanical, electrical, rheological, thermal, and flammability properties separately and how these physical properties depend on the size, aspect ratio, loading, dispersion state, and alignment of nanotubes within polymer nanocomposites. Finally, we summarize the current challenges to and opportunities for efficiently translating the extraordinary properties of carbon nanotubes to polymer matrices in hopes of facilitating progress in this emerging area.