Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of Azo-functionalized carbon nanotubes: a grafting from approach

After oxidation of carbon nanotubes (CNT), its carboxyl groups were subsequently converted to acyl chloride and hydroxyl functionalities. Subsequently, 4,4'-azobis (4-cyanopentanoic acid) (ACPA) was attached to the hydroxyl groups of nanotubes by an esterification reaction to yield azo initiator-anchored nanotubes (CNTAzo). Then, grafting from reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of CNTAzo in different weight percents was carried out. Appearance of N-1s band in the spectrum of CNTAzo originates from the covalent attachment of ACPA on CNT. Successful functionalization of CNT with EG, ACPA, and PMMA was also proved by FTIR. SEC results show that molecular weight and PDI values of the attached chains are higher. XRD and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the structural characteristics of the CNTs. Graft density of modifier and PMMA in various CNTs was evaluated by TGA. Finally, morphology of the CNTs was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopies.