Thermal decomposition of the carbon nanotube/SiO2 precursor powders -: Thermal analysis coupled with mass spectrometry

TG-DSC-MS (thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry-mass spectrometry) coupling techniques were used to make a simultaneous characterizing study for the thermal decomposition process of the carbon nanotube (CNT)/SiO2 precursor powders prepared by rapid sol-gel method. The thermal stability of the CNT and the SiO2 pure gel were investigated by TG-DSC. The results showed that the oxidation of CNT began from 530 and combusted at about 678 degrees C at the heating rate of 10 degrees C min(-1) in air. Moreover, the faster the heating rate, the higher the temperature of CNT combustion. The appropriate calcinations temperature of the CNT/SiO2 precursor powders should be held for 1 h at 500 degrees C.