Reactive coagulation of single-walled carbon nanotubes for tougher composites – Solution processing and assembly

The injection of reduced single-walled carbon nanotubes into a coagulation bath of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) solution leads to the formation of nanocomposite fibres with polymer covalently bound to the nanotubes. The influence of PVC concentration and molecular weight, and the extrusion diameter on the nanocomposite fibre tensile properties and composition have been examined. The nanocomposite fibres produced have strengths as high as 480 MPa and modulus of 15 GPa, making them the strongest and stiffest PVC composites recorded to date.The injection of reduced single-walled carbon nanotubes into a coagulation bath of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) solution leads to the formation of nanocomposite fibres with polymer covalently bound to the nanotubes. The influence of PVC concentration and molecular weight, and the extrusion diameter on the nanocomposite fibre tensile properties and composition have been examined. The nanocomposite fibres produced have strengths as high as 480 MPa and modulus of 15 GPa, making them the strongest and stiffest PVC composites recorded to date.