Studies on Preparation and Microstructure Characterization of Novel Composites Based on Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Chiral Poly(ester-imide) Containing S-Valine Linkages

Abstract

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)s-reinforced poly(ester-imide)s (PEI)s composites were synthesized under sonication. Step-growth polymerization of amino acid based diacid with 4,4′-thiobis(2-tert-butyl-5-methylphenol) was carried out to give a chiral PEI. S-Valine amino acid was covalently attached to carboxylated MWCNTs by an amide bond and effectively dispersed in aromatic polymer as a continuous medium to prepare PEI/MWCNT composites. Microscopic observations showed that the dispersion of the CNTs was improved by the amino acid groups on the surface of MWCNTs and functional groups on the PEI. In comparison with the neat PEI, the MWCNTs reinforced composites revealed higher thermal stability.

Keywords:

• Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes
• Microstructure
• Optically active polymer
• Polymer composites

Notes

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