Mechanical and surface properties of polyurethane/fluorinated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes composites

Abstract

Abstract To improve the mechanical and surface properties of poly(etherurethane) (PEU), multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were surface grafted by 3,3,4,4, 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8‐tridecafluoro‐1‐octanol (TDFOL) (MWCNT‐TDFOL) and used as reinforcing agent for PEU. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the successful grafting of MWCNTs. PEU filled with MWCNT‐TDFOL could be well dispersed in tetrahydrofuran solution, and tensile stress–strain results and dynamic mechanical analysis showed a remarkable increase in mechanical properties of PEU by adding a small amount of MWCNT‐TDFOL. Contact angle testing displayed a limited improvement (just 9°) in the hydrophobicity of PEU surface by solution blending with MWCNT‐TDFOL. However, a large improvement of surface hydrophobicity was observed by directly depositing MWCNT‐TDFOL powder on PEU surface, and the water contact angle was increased from 80° to 138°. Our work demonstrated a new way for the modification of carbon nanotubes and for the property improvement of PEU. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008