Synthesis of composite polymer particles with carbon nanotubes and evaluation of their mechanical properties

In the present study, a method for synthesizing composite polymer particles with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was developed, and the particles' mechanical properties were evaluated. First, the surfaces of MWCNTs were modified by acids to increase their hydrophilicity, resulting in surface-active MWCNTs. Then, a Pickering emulsion was formed using liquid benzyl methacrylate monomer and the surface-active MWCNTs. The surface charge of the surface-active MWCNTs greatly influenced the surface coverage and size of the composite particles. Furthermore, when untreated MWCNTs were added to the monomer phase, surface coverage of the resulting particles was enhanced because MWCNTs on the surface of the particles interacted with MWCNTs incorporated inside the particles, thus preventing the surface-active MWCNTs on the surface from being released into the bulk. As a result, the mechanical properties of the composite polymer particles were successfully improved because the incorporated MWCNTs worked well as fillers.