A Non-Invasive Method to Functionalize Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes

This Phase I STTR project will further develop our technique for uniformly dispersing single walled carbon nanotubes into polymeric resins. This project will specifically aim to provide them with a mechanism for anchoring themselves to an epoxy matrix during curing in such a way that they are able to accept and absorb an applied load. The successful development of this technology will result in new, light weight, thermoset composites that have extraordinarily high flexural, tensile and impact strengths and can be easily molded into any shape desired. They will also be useful for reinforcing the weak link in interlaminate composites, the delamination at the interface between the thermoset matrix and reinforcing fibers. The ability of poly(m-phenylenevinylene-co-2,5-dioctoxy-p-phenylenevinylene (PmPV) to separate large ropes of SWNT into smaller ropes and individual nanotubes by first encasing them, also promotes the solvation of long carbon nanotubes in thermoset resins. By modifying the side chains attached to the PmPV polymer’s backbone via addition of reactive groups, we will be able to both increase the amount of SWNT uptake in the resins and make the load transfer from the thermoset matrix to the SWNT more effective.BENEFITS: High strength thermoset composite materials made using this technology will have considerable applications in the military because of their unique combination of properties including exceptionally high strength, light weight and stealth capability. The aerospace industry will also be interested in this technology because of its potential for use in fabricating airplanes, retrievable satellite launch vehicles, reusable space craft etc., which will be both exceptionally light in weight as well as extremely durable. This new technology will eventually be applicable to many other industries, including: the recreational and sports industries, for use in such things as snowboards, skies, light weight racing bikes, tennis rackets, golf club shafts, fishing rods, etc.; and the electronics industry, because it will provide a material that will be easily molded to any shape that has the ability to be to readily dissipate both electromagnetic interference and heat.