title: Reinforced films based on cross-linked water-soluble sulfonated carbon nanotubes with sulfonated polystyrene.
abstract: Reinforced films based on sulfonated polystyrene cross-linked with water-soluble sulfonated carbon nanotubes were fabricated using a free-standing film-making method. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to verify the cross-linking reaction. The mechanical properties of these films demonstrated that the tensile strength increases with an increase in the sulfonated nanotube concentration. At 5 wt% nanotube loading, the tensile strength increased 84% compared with polymer containing no nanotube loading. The relationships between structure and mechanical properties are discussed and a possible direction for making ultra thin and ultra lightweight film is proposed.
authors.affiliation: Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E. St. Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701-399, USA.
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Dai
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Haiping
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guiver
authors.forename: Jeffry S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Welsh