Coagulation method for preparing single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(methyl methacrylate) composites and their modulus, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability

A coagulation method providing a better dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in a polymer matrix was used to produce SWNT/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed an improved dispersion of SWNTs in the PMMA matrix, a key factor in composite performance. Aligned and unaligned composites were made with purified SWNTs with different SWNT loadings (0.1-7 wt %). Comprehensive testing showed improved elastic modulus, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability with the addition of SWNTs. The electrical conductivity of a 2 wt % SWNT composite decreased significantly (>10(5)) when the SWNTs were aligned, and this result was examined in terms of percolation. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.