Homogeneous dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) is exceedingly important for fabrication of composites. Processing results in tube damages, therefore, preservation of the nanotube structure is of critical importance to producing composites with high mechanical performance. SWNT dispersion experiments were carried out in N, N dimethylformamide at a concentration of 20 mg/L. Characterization of the tube breakdown during dispersion was conducted using microscopy and spectroscopy. Statistical analysis of the length distribution was accomplished versus sonication time. Nanotube debundling and reaggregation during sonication were investigated through SWNT bundle diameter distribution analysis performed by small-angle X-ray scattering. It was found that two distinct populations of SWNT existed in sonicated dispersions. Bundle size distributions indicate a population of well-exfoliated SWNT bundles as well as a population of large SWNT ropes due to hierarchical rearrangement. It was also found that both shortening and reaggregation of SWNT changed as a function of processing time.

Study of dispersion effects on exfoliation and length reduction of single-walled carbon nanotubes towards fabricating polymer-based composites

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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