Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the characterization of functionalized carbon nanotubes

RATIONALE: Functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) generates complex systems that require the development of suitable characterization protocols. New techniques have been explored, and existing analytical and spectroscopic methods to characterize functionalized CNTs have been adapted. Presently, chemical characterization of functionalized CNTs (f-CNTs) remains a difficult task. METHODS: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) analysis is performed on f-MWCNT samples prepared via grafting or absorption of anti-oxidant (AO) molecules on both MWCNT-COOH and MWCNT-OH. Covalently functionalized MWCNTs were subjected to thermal degradation and/or hydrolysis reaction before analys…

Rheological behaviour of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/functionalized-MWCNTs nanocomposites

Effects of phenolic-like intercalated layered double hydroxides on poly(lactic acid) based nanocomposites

Two phenolic-like antioxidants (AOs), 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetrametilcromano-2-carboxylate anions, were intercalated by anion exchange in layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The two AO-LDHs were dispersed by ultrasound-assisted solution mixing in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and the thermal oxidation stability of the composites was evaluated following the variation of the molecular weight by SEC, after a controlled aging process, and determining the oxidation induction time (OIT) by DSC. The results evidenced that the intercalation of both the AO molecules within the LDH galleries prevent their own thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation as well a…

Multi-functional Stabilizers-functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for advanced Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene-based Nanocomposites

Stabilizing molecules, such as hindered phenols (both synthetic and naturally occurring), polyphenols and hindered amine light stabilizers, were covalently linked or physically absorbed onto outer surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the obtained multi-functional fillers (Stab-f-CNTs) were dispersed in Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) aiming at obtaining advanced nanocomposites with enhanced thermo- and/or photo-oxidative stability, electrical and mechanical properties. The chemical grafting or physical absorption of stabilizing molecules is confirmed by spectroscopic, spectrometric and thermo-gravimetric analyses, and the influence of the multi-functional na…

Grafting of polymer chains on the surface of carbon nanotubes via nitroxide radical coupling reaction

Poly(butylene succinate)/MWCNTs nanocomposites with improved dispersion and with nanotubes embedded/immobilized into the polymer matrix were here prepared by an alternative "grafting to" method based on thenitroxide radical coupling reaction. Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) was grafted on the surface of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy) modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via a nitroxide radical coupling reaction. TEMPO functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNTs-g-TEMPO) were synthesized using the Cu(I)-catalyzed azide/alkyne click chemistry approach and the covalent bond of the nitroxide moieties onto the MWCNTs was confirmed via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.…