METHOD OF CARBON NANOTUBES DISPERSION IN POLYMERIC MATRIX

Abstract

In order to obtain better homogenous composite material, different carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersion techniques in the polymeric matrix are very well known. Due to the strong interactions between CNTs, the efficiency of these dispersion techniques is highly limited. The aim of this paper is to present improvement techniques considered as new step in the global dispersion process before the composite material final shape finalization. At this moment, it is very difficult to carry out a classical dispersion from technological point of view. In this paper, more than the acknowledged mechanical and ultrasonic dispersion method, the introduction of a genuine dispersion technique is proposed; it refers to an external vibrant magnetic field able to determine a vibration movement of CNTs covered by a molecular Fe (III) oxide. This external vibrant magnetic field is made by using a permanent magnet involved in a rotational movement around its own axis and also interacts with the individual CNTs own magnetic fields. The maintenance of a tensioned vibrating state at the individual CNT level contributes to a good dispersion state preservation and increases the connections and physical-chemical interactions hindering. The dispersion efficiency in a vibrant magnetic field was studied using the comparative methods, correlating the electronic microscopy analysis with the mechanical strength tests. With respect to the composite material obtained under these conditions, a significant quality improvement as well as a mechanical strength increase was observed.