Study on poly(methyl methacrylate)/carbon nanotube composites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be used to compound poly (methyl methacrylate)/ carbon nanotube (PMMA/CNT) composites by an in situ process. The experiment al results show that CNTs can be initiated by AIBN to open their pi-bonds, which imply that CNTs may participate in PMMA polymerization and form a str ong combining interface between the CNTs and the PMMA matrix. Through the u se of an improved in situ process, the mechanical properties and the heat d eflection temperatures of composites rise with the increase of CNTs. The di spersion ratio of CNTs in the PMMA matrix is proportional to the reaction t ime of polymerizing MMA before CNTs are added into the PMMA mixture. (C) 19 99 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.