Chemical Functionalization and Dispersion of CNTs in Waterborne Polyurethane

Carbon nanotubes were modified with amide groups in order to enhance their chemical affinity with waterborne polyurethane. In this study a thermoplastic nanocomposite containing multiwall carbon nanotube/waterborne polyurethane (WBPU/MWNT) via in situ polymerization has been prepared. The effects of MWNT addition on the morphology and electrical properties of nanocomposites were investigated. SEM micrographs prove that functionalized CNT can be effectively dispersed in WBPU matrix. Electrical conductivity of nanocomposites increased with the CNT contents in as such the nanocomposites containing 1 wt% of MWNT exhibited a conductivity nearly five orders of magnitude higher than the WBPU film