Characterization of singlewalled carbon nanotubes-PMMA composites

Thin films of poly(methyl methacrylate)-singlewalled nanotubes (PMMA-SWMTs) composite were produced by spin coating using different nanotubes concentrations. Characterization of these new materials was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy in order to obtain information on the possible interactions between these two materials and especially, on the modifications of the nanotubes and their organization. It is found that in the composite films, the distance between the nanotubes in bundles increases because of the intercalation of polymer. For low nanotube concentrations, amorphous carbon is dispersed in the polymer matrix giving more uniform thin films. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.