Fabrication of micro pillars using multiwall carbon nanotubes/polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

This research presents a new approach to fabricate polymer/carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites. Multiwall carbon nanotubes with 6–9 nm diameter and 1.5 µm length are used. Polydimethysolixane (PDMS), acetone and polyethylene oxide (PEO) are used as polymer matrix, solvent and dispersant, respectively. The research work is divided into two stages: dispersion of CNT and preparation of PDMS/CNT nanocomposite. A new method is used to disperse the carbon nanotubes into acetone with the help of PEO dispersant. The optimum dispersant to the CNT weight ratio and sonication time for obtaining well-dispersed CNT are obtained and found to be 1.0 and 4.5 h, respectively. Micro pillars made of nanocomposites containing different CNT in the PDMS matrix are produced. The surface roughness and the fracture of nanocomposite are also investigated.