Preparation and Characterization of Poly(ε-Caprolactone)-Grafted-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Sheets of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/carbon nanotube composites were prepared through the solvent cast method. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) functionalized with hydroxyl groups were used as an initiator for the ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone to introduce PCL chains to the surface of MWCNT in order to ameliorate the dispersion of MWCNT in PCL matrix. Grafting of PCL chains to MWCNT was followed by FTIR and TEM observations. Effect of the incorporation of MWCNT on the mechanical properties of PCL was explored before and after the modification of the MWCNT by the PCL grafting.