Synthesis and Characterization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes-Polymethyl Methacrylate Composites Prepared by In Situ Polymerization Method

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes-polymethyl methacrylate composites (MWCNT-PMMA) were prepared by an in situ polymerization method. The effect of nanotube content and their surface functionalization on the mechanical properties of the resulting nanocomposites was investigated. The use of only 1.8 wt% functionalized tubes improved flexural modulus by about 43% and flexural strength by about 60%. In situ polymerization using functionalized tubes improved interfacial bonding strength due to a chemical interaction between carbon nanotubes and the growing PMMA, which resulted in improved load transfer mechanism. POLYM. COMPOS., 30:1312-1317, 2009. (C) 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers