• Carbon letters
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.157-160
• /
• 2012

In this work, iron oxide ($Fe_3O_4$) nanoparticles were deposited on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by a simple chemical coprecipitation method and $Fe_3O_4$-decorated MWNTs (Fe-MWNTs)/polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites (Fe-MWNTs/PPy) were prepared by oxidation polymerization. The effect of the PPy on the electrochemical properties of the Fe-MWNTs was investigated. The structures characteristics and surface properties of MWNTs, Fe-MWNTs, and Fe-MWNTs/PPy were characterized by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The electrochemical performances of MWNTs, Fe-MWNTs, and Fe-MWNTs/PPy were determined by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge characteristics in a 1.0 M sodium sulfite electrolyte. The results showed that the Fe-MWNTs/PPy electrode had typical pseudo-capacitive behavior and a specific capacitance significantly greater than that of the Fe-MWNT electrode, indicating an enhanced electrochemical performance of the Fe-MWNTs/PPy due to their high electrical properties.

• Carbon letters
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.131-144
• /
• 2013

The carbon nanotube (CNT) represents one of the most unique inventions in the field of nanotechnology. CNTs have been studied closely over the last two decades by many researchers around the world due to their great potential in different fields. CNTs are rolled graphene with $SP^2$ hybridization. The important aspects of CNTs are their light weight, small size with a high aspect ratio, good tensile strength, and good conducting characteristics, which make them useful as fillers in different materials such as polymers, metallic surfaces and ceramics. CNTs also have potential applications in the field of nanotechnology, nanomedicine, transistors, actuators, sensors, membranes, and capacitors. There are various techniques which can be used for the synthesis of CNTs. These include the arc-discharge method, chemical vaporize deposition (CVD), the laser ablation method, and the sol gel method. CNTs can be single-walled, double-walled and multi-walled. CNTs have unique mechanical, electrical and optical properties, all of which have been extensively studied. The present review is focused on the synthesis, functionalization, properties and applications of CNTs. The toxic effect of CNTs is also presented in a summarized form.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
• /
• v.15 no.5
• /
• pp.449-454
• /
• 2004

The optical limiter is an optical component which reduces laser beam intensity for the protection of eyes and light sensors. Carbon nanotube is now known as a highly efficient optical limiting material. Optical limiting effect of the multi-walled carbon nanotube suspensions, in several kinds of solvents such as distilled water, chloroform, ethanol and ethylene glycol, were measured in the range from room temperature to near to the boiling points of the solvents. The pulsed Nd:YAG laser whose wavelength is 1064 nm and pulse duration is 6 ns was used as a light source. The experimental result shows that the limiting efficiency was reduced as the temperature increased, and the suspension which has lower boiling point, viscosity and surface tension has highest efficiency.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.65-69
• /
• 2011

Objectives: Carbon nanotubes are an important new class of technological materials that have numerous novel and useful properties. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which is a nanomaterial, is now in mass production because of its excellent mechanical and electrical properties. Although MWCNTs appear to have great industrial and medical potential, there is little information regarding their toxicological effects on researchers and workers who could be exposed to them by inhalation during the handling of MWCNTs. Methods: The generation of an untangled MWCNT aerosol with a consistent concentration without using surfactants that was designed to be tested in in vivo inhalation toxicity testing was attempted. To do this, MWCNTs were dispersed in deionized water without the addition of any surfactant. To facilitate the dispersion of MWCNTs in deionized water, the water was heated to $40^{\circ}C$, $60^{\circ}C$, and $80^{\circ}C$ depending on the sample with ultrasonic sonication. Then the dispersed MWCNTs were atomized to generate the MWCNT aerosol. After aerosolization of the MWCNTs, the shapes of the NTs were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Results: The aerosolized MWCNTs exhibited an untangled shape and the MWCNT generation rate was about 50 $mg/m^3$. Conclusion: Our method provided sufficient concentration and dispersion of MWNCTs to be used for inhalation toxicity testing.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society For Composite Materials Conference
• /
• 2003.10a
• /
• pp.29-32
• /
• 2003

Multi -walled carbon nanotube(MWNT)/poly(methyl methacrylate) composites were fabricate d through film casting. Manufacturing process was established using a ultrasonic cleaner and a homogenizer. Acetone was used as a solvent to melt PMMA and mix with MWNT. The ultrasonic cleaner performed an important role in producing MWNT/MMA nanocomposites. Ultrasonic energy was utilized to disperse MWNT in acetone. Also, melting PMMA in acetone and mixing MWNT and PMMA were achieved using the homogenizer. It was confirmed that the nanohlbes were well dispersed in PMMA according to SEM images.

• Carbon letters
• /
• v.11 no.4
• /
• pp.298-303
• /
• 2010

A method of functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) at room temperature using dry ozone gas is described. The resulting MWNT were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Combined to these analyses and solubility in liquids, it could be concluded that the dry ozone gas exposure introduces polar functional groups such as carboxylic groups to MWNT similar to acidic modification of MWNT. Particularly, the stable dispersion of MWNT in water after ozone treatment above a critical level could be obtained, implying potential bio-application. The hydrophilic functional groups on the MWNT introduced by ozone oxidation were helpful in improving the interaction with functional groups in PA6 such as $-NH_2$ and -CONH- resulting in improved mechanical properties.

• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.107-111
• /
• 2011

Polypropylene(PP)/carbon fiber(CF)/multi-walled carbon nanotube(MWCNT) nanocomposites along with various CF and MWCNT contents were prepared in a Twin screw extruder. Electrical, mechanical property and morphology were investigated with a variation of CF and MWCNT contents. From the surface resistance of PP/CF/MWCNT composites, MWCNT can increase the conductivity of composites compared with PP/CF composites without MWCNT. It is suggested that MWCNT and CF can make the conductive network in the polymer matrix. Flexural modulus and Izod impact strength of the PP/CF/MWCNT composites were improved with the increase of CF contents. Morphology showed that length of CF in polymer matrix was shortened by torque during melt mixing with MWCNT. As a result of this phenomenon, the impact strength of composites was somewhat decreased.

• Carbon letters
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.88-93
• /
• 2012

Polypyrrole (PPy)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites were prepared by in situ polymerization of pyrrole on the surface of MWCNTs templates to improve the ammonia gas sensing properties. PPy morphologies, formed on the surface of MWCNTs, were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The thermal stabilities of the PPy/MWCNTs composites were improved as the content of MWCNTs increased due to the higher thermal stability of the MWCNTs. PPy/MWCNTs composites showed synergistic effects in improving the ammonia gas sensing properties, attributed to the combination of efficient electron transfer between PPy/MWCNTs composites and ammonia gas, and the reproducible electrical resistance variation on PPy during the gas sensing process.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.51 no.1
• /
• pp.73-79
• /
• 2013

Waterborne polyurethane dispersion (WPUD) was synthesized from polycarbonate diol (PCD), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA) as starting materials. Then, waterborne acrylic polyurethane dispersion (AUD) was synthesized by reacting the WPUD with an acrylate monomer, methyl methacrylate (MMA). Subsequently, the AUD was mixed with multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) to yield a conductive coating solution, and the mixture was coated on the polycarbonate substrate. With increasing the amount of MMA in the AUD, the pencil hardness, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance of the coating films were improved, but the electrical conductivity of the coating films was decreased. On the other hand, the pencil hardness, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance of coating films were decreased, but the electrical conductivity was enhanced with increasing the amount of MWCNT in the conductive coating solutions.

• Advanced Composite Materials
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.209-219
• /
• 2009

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have shown great potential for the reinforcement of polymers or fiber-reinforced composites. In this study, mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)-filled plain-weave glass/epoxy composites intended for use in radar absorbing structures were evaluated with regard to filler loading, microstructure, and fiber volume fraction. The plain-weave composites containing MWNTs exhibited improved matrix-dominant and interlaminar fracture-related properties, that is, compressive and interlaminar shear strength. This is attributed to strengthening of the matrix rich region and the interface between glass yarns by the MWNTs. However, tensile properties were only slightly affected by the addition of MWNTs, as they are fiber-dominant properties.