Dramatic Improvement in properties of magnetically aligned CNT/polymer nanocomposites

The goal of this work is to study the properties of magnetically aligned CNT/PC nanocomposites. A fraction (0.1 wt.%) of SWNT (single wall carbon nanotube) and MWNT (multiwall carbon nanotube) have been dispersed homogeneously throughout polycarbonate (PC) matrix by ultrasonication. The alignment of SWNT and MWNT in PC matrix has been accomplished by applying an external magnetic field of 1200 Gauss. These nanocomposites have been studied by FTIR spectroscopy, gas permeation, Raman spectroscopy, electrical and mechanical measurements. A comparative study for the gas permeation of various gases (H2, N2 and CO2) has been performed on these nanocomposites. H2 is found to be more selective for SWNT/PC and MWNT/PC nanocomposites in comparison to N2 and CO2. Raman spectra provide the degree of alignment of CNTs in polymer matrix. I–V characteristics show the electron hopping like behavior and dielectric constant shows the enhancement in permittivity of these nanocomposites. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements show the improved mechanical strength of magnetically aligned CNT/polymer nanocomposites.