Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Poly Vinyl Chloride Nanocomposites and its Properties

Abstract

The SWNTs was purified/functionalized by acid treatment method and the F-SWNTs were used as
reinforcing materials. The acid treatment introduced carboxyl (–COOH) group to the SWNTs. The PVC and
F-SWNTs/PVC films were prepared by solution casting method. The fractured surfaces of sample was
analyzed through SEM and showed the dispersion of F-SWNTs in PVC. The thermal study indicated that the
thermal stability of PVC is enhanced with F-SWNTs incorporation. The mechanical properties were also
increased with CNTs filling. The solvent uptake study suggested that the nanocomposites resist towards
solvent uptake, which is due to the hydrophobic nature of CNTs and their irregular network formation within
the polymer matrix.
Keywords: Polyvinyl chloride, single walled carbon nanotubes, morphology, nanocomposite