Functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with uniform polyurea coatings by molecular layer deposition. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Yao; Zhang, Bin; Gao, Zhe; Chen, Chaoqiu; Zhao, Shichao; Qin, Yong
• Is Part Of: Carbon. Volume 82(2015)
• Page Start: 470
• Page End: 478
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Carbon -- Periodicals; Carbone -- Périodiques; Koolstof; Toepassingen; Electronic journals; 546.681
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2014.10.090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-6223

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, we demonstrate a flexible method for functionalizing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with polyurea (PU) coatings using molecular layer deposition (MLD). Uniform and conformal PU films can be deposited on the surface of pristine MWCNTs without any surface treatment. The PU shell thickness and wrapping amount are precisely tunable by changing the number of MLD cycles. The present MLD functionalizing treatment provides better dispersion of the MWCNTs in highly polar solvents such as N, N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. Furthermore, the PU layers improve the compatibility between MWCNTs and the polyurethane matrix. Significant increases in tensile strength and modulus are obtained, resulting in greatly enhanced mechanical properties of PU-functionalized MWCNT/polyurethane composites.