Instrumental Probes for Properties of Nano-structures in Polymer Matrices.

Phase I research showed Electron Spin Resonance to be extremely sensitive to the presence of carbon nanotubes imbedded in polymer matrices. Components of ESR spectra were found to be correlated with the length and concentration of nanotubes. A novel ESR analysis approach was developed which also showed great promise for characterizing the nature of the nanotube-polymer interface. Preliminary investigations indicated the potential for Raman Spectroscopy to be a highly effective complementary technique to ESR for characterizing the interface regions. Phase II research will build upon the Phase I results to develop a clear and unambiguous analytical process for in-depth characterization of both the nanotubes and their interface with the polymer matrix. The analytical techniques developed will be coupled with the development of portable instrumentation which should prove useful in process control and insitu diagnsotic applicatons.