In Situ Polymerized Poly(Amide Imide)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composite: Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical Studies

Poly(amide imide)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites were in situ polymerized through Yamazaki-Higashi phosphorylation method, and the carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes are added in the post-reaction stage. The good dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the poly(amide imide) matrix was achieved even at 20 wt% nanotube loading. The electrical conductivity reached 33 S m(-1); meanwhile, the tensile strength and Young's modulus were 106MPa and 2.52 GPa, respectively. These excellent properties were contributed to the good dispersion of nanotubes and strong multiwalled carbon nanotubes-poly(amide imide) interfacial adhesions. We also demonstrate that the incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes depressed the crystallization characteristics of poly(amide imide) but improve its thermal stability.