Polymer composites of aligned carbon nanotubes

POSTER

Abstract

Model composites of DNA-wrapped single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in polyacrylic acid (PAA) are melt-stretched above the glass transition temperature of the PAA to make optically transparent SWNT-PAA films that preserve the optical signature of isolated SWNTs. Optimal nanotube dispersion is confirmed using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence spectroscopy. We discuss the factors limiting the dispersion of SWNTs in polymers at the individual nanotube level, and we quantify the degree of SWNT alignment.

Authors

  • J.A. Fagan

    • NIST

  • J.R. Simpson

    • NIST

  • B.J. Landi

    • RIT

  • L.J. Richter

    • NIST
    • NIST, Gaithersburg, MD

  • I. Mandelbaum

    • NIST

  • R. Raffaelle

    • Rochester Institute of Technology
    • RIT
    • NPRL-R.I.T.

  • A.R. Hight Walker

    • NIST

  • B.J. Bauer

    • NIST

  • E.K. Hobbie

    • NIST, Gaithersburg, MD
    • NIST