Preparation and Properties of Carbon Nanotube/Polyaniline Nanocomposites

Aniline monomer coated on the nanotubes in HCl solution was used to prepare a composite of multi-wall carbon nanotube/polyaniline (MWCNT/PANI) by in-situ polymerization. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes were treated by the mixed acid (HNO3:H2SO4 in a ratio of 1:3). The content of MWCNT in the samples was 0-20 wt%. The nanocomposites were characterized by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the MWCNT/PANI nanocomposites were also measured. The results showed that the MWCNT was well dispersed in water after purification. Both FT-IR and Raman spectra illustrated the presence of MWCNT in the composites; the interaction between PANI and MWCNT was proved. The Young's modulus was 618MPa with 20wt% loading. The effects of treatment of MWCNT on the mechanical properties of MWCNT/PANI nanocomposites are discussed.