In-situ polymerization and multifunctional properties of surface-modified multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced polyimide nanocomposites

In this study, strong multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT)-polyimide (PI) matrix interfaces were designed and constructed to obtain high-performance nanocomposites via in-situ polymerization. MWNTs with reactive amino groups were produced by the covalent linking of phenylenediamine to the surface of MWNTs by amide bonds; this material exhibited excellent dispersibility and compatibility with the PI matrix. The incorporation of amine-functionalized MWNT (MWNT-NH2) significantly improved the macroscopic properties of the PI-based nanocomposites. A 50.5% increase in the tensile strength and an 83.1% increase in the Young's modulus were achieved by 3.0 wt% MWNT-NH2 loading. Furthermore, the storage modulus, thermal stability, and glass transition temperature of the nanocomposite clearly increased by adding MWNT-NH2. The success of this method provides a good rational for developing high-performance polymer-based nanocomposites.