Melt processing of SWCNT-polyimide nanocomposite fibers

Melt processing of SWCNT/Ultem nanocomposite fibers was demonstrated for fibers containing up to 1 wt% SWCNTs. High-resolution electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to evaluate the quality of SWCNT dispersion. SWCNT alignment in the fiber direction was induced by shear forces present during the melt extrusion and fiber drawing processes. This alignment resulted in significantly higher tensile moduli and yield stress in SWCNT/Ultem nanocomposite fibers relative to unoriented nanocomposite films having the same SWCNT concentration. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.