Synthesis of polypropylene wrapped carbon nanotubes composite via in situ graft method with maleic anhydride

Abstract

Wrapped carbon nanotubes with polypropylene were synthesised by in situ graft method and used as a reinforcement agent for commercial polypropylene. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that carbon nanotubes were wrapped by polypropylene and dispersed homogeneously in polypropylene matrix. Infrared spectroscopy results showed that there was covalently linkage between polypropylene and carbon nanotubes via maleic anhydride grafting. The linkage was further confirmed by Raman observation. Furthermore, the X-ray diffraction research revealed that the carbon nanotubes act as nucleating agent to promote crystallisation. Owing to the uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes and covalent adhesion between polypropylene and carbon nanotubes, the thermal stability of polypropylene was improved.