Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were dispersed in a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acid with volume ratio of 3:1. Carboxylic acid-functionalized MWCNTS (MWCNT-COOH) were obtained by oxidation pristine MWCNTs via sonication in sulfuric-nitric acid. Epoxy-based nanocomposites reinforced with MWCNTs with and without functionalization were prepared. Chemical functionalization of MWCNTs by oxidation (MWCNT-COOH) was confirmed by FTIR. The properties of nanocomposites were characterized using scanning emission microscopy (SEM). Experimental results showed that functionalization of MWCNTs improved the dispersion of MWCNTs in epoxy matrix compared to those containing MWCNTs without functionalization.