Polystyrene-wrapping multi-walled carbon nanotubes obtained via simple physical modification of melt mixing

Melt mixing with a polymer is a novel strategy to modify the surface property of carbon nanotube (CNT) conveniently and efficiently. In melt mixing process, the shearing and thermal issues can make polymer component wrapped around nanotubes via pi-pi stacking interaction. In this study, polystyrene-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was achieved through simple melt mixing of polystyrene with MWNTs. PS and MWNTs were first melt mixed at various melt time and temperatures to find the optimum condition for preparing of PS-coated MWNTs. Subsequently, the stability of polystyrene interacted with MWNTs was estimated via ultrasonication and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Finally, the physically modified MWNTs were used to enhance polystyrene. An obvious mechanical reinforcement can be achieved, which approves a huge potential of application of these modified MWNTs in practical composite products. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.