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Simple change of copolymer composition causes changes of the glass transition temperature of the polymer, the plasticity / elasticity ratio, and electromagnetic properties – from mostly polar to mostly nonpolar (hydrophobic). The incorporation of even small amounts of a functional comonomer leads to the modification of existing and introduction of new properties. As a result of this process, changes in mechanical properties, improved adhesivity, chemical durability and solubility can occur. Introduction of the filler offers additional means of influence on the improvement and tailoring of desired properties of polymeric material. The interaction between polymeric matrix and filler are of crucial importance, especially regarding surface phenomena. In case when nanotubes are used as a filler, their chemical functionalization is an appreciable way to intervene in a system in order to achieve the aim; usually, to obtain homogeneous and stable nanocomposites of improved and special properties. Therefore, carbon nanotubes will be used also in combination with functional polymers acting as additional mean for properties modification, mainly the mechanical ones. Interesting properties of carbon nanotubes such as mechanical strength, electrical, thermal conductivity, thermal stability and high specific surface area, make them interesting to both scientists and engineers due to their great potential for a variety of applications. The aim of the proposed research is to acquire original knowledge and preparative procedures and skills in (a) performing various chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes and their subsequential characterization, (b) testing of dispersibility of functionalized nanotubes in various solvents and solutions of surfactants, and (c) synthesis and preparation of nanocomposites with functionalized carbon nanotubes and their characterization.
Short description of the task performed by Croatian partner
Croatian institution will be responsible for carrying out the synthesis and preparation of nanostructured and functional polymer materials of different composition, structures and, consequently, properties. The obtained materials will be characterized regarding composition and structure (NMR, GPC, thermal and mechanical properties (TGA, DSC, DMA), as well as spectroscopic investigation (SEM). 1. Chemical functionalization of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT): a) functionalization of oxidized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) by alkyl groups of different lengths into corresponding esters (MWCNT-COOR, R = methyl / buthyl / dodecyl); b) functionalization of oxidized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) by hetero atom (nitrogen) via modified alkyl groups (MWCNT–CONH-C4H7 and i MWCNT–CONH-C2H4NH2) c) characterization of functionalized carbon nanotubes by infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), photo-electron spectroscopy, X-ray (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), 2. Determination of dispersibility of functionalized carbon nanotubes by UV-Vis spectroscopy: a) dispersibility in organic solvents of different structure and polarity; b) dispersibility in aqueous solutions of cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactants. 3. Synthesis and preparation of polymeric nanocomposits of stiren-methacrylate copolymer / functionalized carbon nanotubes: a) ex situ preparation of nanocomposites from polymer solution; b) in situ preparation of nanocomposites by radical copolymerization in solution in the presence of functionalized nanotubes; c) characterization of polymer composites by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), the contact angle method, Oberst’s dynamic-mechanical method.