Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites: Fabrication of Nano-Composites with Strong Interfacial Bonding and Novel Electro-

There is an increasing demand for polymer based nano-composites with unmatched properties for high-technology applications in defense, aerospace and electronic industries. Carbon nanotubes are ideal fibers, which can reinforce and enhance the properties of polymers. However, the problem with carbon nanotube reinforced polymer matrix composites is to obtain uniform distribution and strong bonding between the nanotubes and the polymer. Overall objective of this proposal is the fabrication of novel single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced polymer nano-composites with excellent electro-thermo-mechanical properties. This will be achieved by using soluble and chemically functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes. The tailored properties of chemically modified single-walled carbon nanotubes will be used to make nano-composites with strong covalent bonds between the nanotubes and the polymer and with optimum dispersion of the nanotubes in the host matrix. A structurally important thermoplastic polymer such as nylon 6,6 and a water-soluble electrically conducting polyaniline derivative will be used as the host polymer matrix. Various types of soluble and chemically functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes will be used to fabricate the nano-composites. Co-polymerization reactions will be carried out to obtain chemical bonding between the nanotubes and the polymer matrix. The composites will be characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Phase I project will be a feasibility study on the fabrication and characterization of the nano-composites as described above.