(296h) Polypropylene/Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) Nanocomposites: Surface Modification of CNTs By Coupling Agent and Stabilization By Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites reinforced with hydroxyl-functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNT-OH) were prepared through a facile ex-situ solution mixing method. In order to improve the interfacial bonding between inert PP backbone and MWNT-OH, the surface of MWNT-OH was modified by coupling agent – 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). In addition, maleic anhydride grafted PP (denoted as MA-g-PP) was utilized as surfactant and stabilizer to further improve the dispersion of thus modified MWNT-OH (f-MWNT) in PP matrix. The surface modification and dispersion of MWNT-OH were investigated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The physicochemical properties of thus prepared nanocomposites including thermal properties, flammability, melting rheological behaviors were discussed in detail. The role of both coupling agent and surfactant on affecting these aforementioned properties are elucidated and probable mechanisms were proposed.