Fabrication and Characterization of Carbon Nanotube/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composites

TLDR

Nanotubes are often considered for straightforward reinforcement in composites. The authors present a scalable fabrication route for large carbon nanotube/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films via a stable colloidal intermediate, enabling broad applicability and yielding thermo‑mechanical and electrical properties. The composites exhibit low room‑temperature stiffness but improved high‑temperature performance, suggesting potential as polymer modifiers rather than simple reinforcements.

Abstract

Are nanotubes ideally suited to a straightforward reinforcing role? Results reported here indicate that that may not be the case, but they could find application as a polymer modifier. A successful route is described for the fabrication of large composite films containing carbon nanotubes based on the formation of a stable colloidal intermediate, a route that should be broadly applicable to a range of nanotube materials and polymers. The resulting thermo-mechanical and electrical properties are discussed. While the stiffness of the composites at room temperature is rather low they show promise at high temperatures.