title: Comparison of covalently and noncovalently functionalized carbon nanotubes in epoxy.
abstract: Carbon nanotubes typically require the use of a dispersing or stabilizing agent to prevent significant aggregation during incorporation into a polymer matrix. These additives must be strongly associated, either covalently or physically, to achieve their purpose. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were dispersed into an epoxy matrix using polyethylenimine (PEI) as a dispersant that was either covalently attached to the nanotubes or physically mixed to result in only noncovalent interaction. Epoxy composites containing covalently modified MWNTs exhibited greater storage modulus and reduced electrical conductivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, TX 77843-3123, USA.
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Krishna C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Etika
authors.forename: Kang-Shyang
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: Lance A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Hess
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Bergbreiter
authors.forename: Jaime C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Grunlan