A convenient strategy to functionalize carbon nanotubes with ascorbic acid and its effect on the physical and thermomechanical properties of poly(amide-imide) composites

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized by ascorbic acid by a fast strategy under microwave irradiation to improve interfacial interactions and dispersion of CNTs in a poly(amide-imide) (PAL) matrix. This technique provides a rapid and economically viable route to produce covalently functionalized CNTs. The as-prepared, new type of functionalized CNTs were analyzed by several techniques. The thermal stabilities and mechanical interfacial properties of CNT/PAI composites were investigated using several techniques. The dispersion state of CNTs in the PAL matrix was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical interfacial property of the composites was significantly increased by the addition of ascorbic acid treated CNTs. The FE-SEM and TEM results showed that the separation and uniform dispersion of CNTs in the PAL matrix. The overview of these recent results is presented. 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.