Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), cylindrical molecules made of rolled-up graphene sheets, were first reported by Iijima in 1991, and received emerging and exponentially growing interest and attention since then. CNTs possess a range of unique and superior properties including low density, high aspect ratios, large surface area, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and high strength. As a result, when CNTs are incorporated into polymers, they can significantly enhance mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of the polymer nanocomposites. It is important to mention that stability of polymer matrix and nanocomposites are of great importance, and have vital implications for their performance, usage, disposal and safety to the consumers. Achieving high degree of CNTs dispersion in the polymer matrices has been a significant challenge as imaging of CNTs distribution in the large volumes has been impossible so far. Without such imaging capability, the prepared composites have often exhibited a suboptimal performance, and, as demonstrated in our earlier work, posed significant risk to consumer. In our initial experiments at NSLS-II our group demonstrated for the first time a promise of X-ray nano-tomography to detect the CNTs in polymers. This presentation discusses new capabilities of this technique.

New approaches nanocomposites’ imaging to facilitate development of safer and more robust consumer products

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.