Polymer Carbon Nanotube Composites The Polymer Latex Concept

This book provides readers with a comprehensive toolbox for dispersing single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes in thermoplastic polymer matrices. The book starts with an overview of all known techniques for dispersing CNTs in thermoplastic polymers and then concentrates on one of the most versatile techniques known nowadays: the so-called latex technology. Also discussed are the basic principles of this latex technology, the role of the matrix viscosity on percolation threshold, the importance of the intrinsic CNT quality, the use of "smart" surfactants facilitating electron transport in the final composite, the preparation of highly loaded master-batches, which can be diluted with virgin polymer by melt-extrusion, and some promising potential applications.

IntroductionComposite MaterialsAltered Behavior of Nano-FillersCarbon Nanotubes and Composites ThereofPercolation Theory for RodsScope of This BookToolbox for Dispersing Carbon Nanotubes into Polymers to Get Electrically Conductive NanocompositesGeneral IntroductionIncorporation of CNTs into a Polymer Matrix: A ChallengeUltrasoundCNT PurificationMethods to Disperse Individual CNTs in a Polymer MatrixConclusionsTailoring and Monitoring the Sonication-Driven Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes in Aqueous Surfactant SolutionsIntroductionCharacterization of the Bundling of CNT Aqueous Dispersions in General; Monitoring of the Debundling Process in Particular: A Short Overview of Suitable Characterization TechniquesOptimization of the CNT Debundling Parameters to Make Conductive CNT/Polymer Nanocomposites with UV-Vis SpectroscopyFood for Thought: A Critic of Purification of SWCNTsCentrifugation of Aqueous Surfactant-CNT DispersionsConclusionsAspects of Processing Methods and Conditions Affecting Percolation NetworksSegregated Networks and Dynamic PercolationThe Role of the Matrix Viscosity: Molecular Weight Distributions and Processing TemperaturesProcessing Techniques and Percolation ThresholdsConclusionsOn the Versatility of the Latex-Based Process Regarding the Choice of the Polymer Matrix of the NanocompositeIntroduction Semi-Crystalline Polypropylene Matrix Polymer Blends Conclusions Manipulating the Percolation of CNTs Using Hybrid Composite SystemsIntroductionEliminating Non-Contact ResistivityGeneral ConclusionsFuture PerspectivesIntroduction: Toward Large-Scale ProductionFood for Thought: Possible Applications of CNT/Polymer Composites? What’s Next?Index

Cor Koning, Marie-Claire Hermant, Nadia Grossiord