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DNA-Assisted Dispersion of Multi-Walled CNTs in Epoxy Polymer Matrix

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 June 2014

Susanna Laurenzi*
Affiliation:
Department of Astronautic Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851-881, 00138 Rome, Italy
Matteo Sirilli
Affiliation:
Department of Astronautic Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851-881, 00138 Rome, Italy
Mirko Pinna
Affiliation:
Department of Astronautic Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851-881, 00138 Rome, Italy
M. Gabriella Santonicola*
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical Materials Environmental Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy Materials Science and Technology of Polymers, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
*
*Corresponding authors: [email protected], [email protected]
*Corresponding authors: [email protected], [email protected]
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Abstract

The homogeneous dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a polymer matrix is a critical parameter that significantly affects the electrical and mechanical properties of CNT-based composite materials, and represents an important challenge to overcome during the manufacturing process of these materials. In our work we used double-stranded DNA to facilitate the dispersion of multi-walled CNTs in solution prior to the integration in epoxy resin PRIME 20 LV. Composites containing DNA-wrapped CNTs were prepared using sonication at 0.5 wt.% CNT loading and the dispersion level in the composite CNT/PRIME 20 LV was observed under an optical microscope. Nanoindentation experiments were conducted to determine the local mechanical properties of the CNT/PRIME 20 LV composites films after cure, showing a significant improvement in their distribution across the sample surface as a result of the enhanced CNT dispersion by DNA. An electrical test to assess the stability of the CNTs dispersion in the resin was developed by measuring the conductivity of the composite mixture before cure in time. Results of the electrical measurements indicate that the CNT/PRIME 20 LV mixture with DNA-wrapped CNTs is stable for several days after preparation.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2014 

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References

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