In situ preparation of high performance polyimide nanocomposites based on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Nanocomposites of high performance polyimide and modified multiwalled carbon nanotube were prepared via in situ polymerization technique. Neat fluorinated polyimide was synthesized from the reaction between 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride and 2-(3,5-diaminophenyl)-benzimidazole. Polyimide/modified carbon nanotube nanocomposites enclosing 0.5, 1, 3, and 5% of functionalized carbon nanotube were successfully prepared by an in situ polymerization reaction through thermal imidization. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission type scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques were used to evaluate the properties of the novel nanocomposites. According to thermogravimetric analysis results, the addition of the modified multiwalled carbon nanotube improved thermal stability of the obtained hybrid materials. The morphological images show that the carbon nanotubes were dispersed homogeneously in polymer matrix. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites were substantially improved by the incorporation of functionalized carbon nanotube into the polymer matrix.