The effect of the addition of carbon nanotube fluids to a polymeric matrix to produce simultaneous reinforcement and plasticization

Carbon nanotube (CNT) fluids with liquid-like behavior were synthesized and incorporated into a polymeric matrix to investigate the processability and mechanical performance of the resulting composite, as well as the distribution of CNTs in the host material. We demonstrated that the simultaneous reinforcement and plasticization effect on the polymeric matrix by the novel multifunctional component should be ascribed to the soft organic coating and the unique flowability of such surface-functionalized CNTs. The solvent- and plasticizer-free nature along with the above-mentioned advantages provides a green and efficient route to fabricate high performance composite materials. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.