| abstract |
The present invention relates to a method for incorporating carbon nanotubes into an epoxy polymer composite by chemical functionalization of the carbon nanotubes, and to a carbon nanotube-epoxy polymer composite produced by such a method. Integration is enhanced by improving dispersibility and / or covalent bonding with the epoxy matrix during the curing process. In general, such methods involve the carbon nanotubes in such a way that the chemical moiety reacts with the epoxy precursor (s) or the curing agent (s) or both during curing. Including attaching chemical moieties (ie, functional groups) to the sidewalls and / or end-caps. Further, in some aspects, these and additional chemical moieties can function to help disperse the carbon nanotubes by reducing van der Waals forces between the nanotubes. |