Functionalization of CNTs using plasma-induced graft polymerization and the properties of their composites with epoxy resin

Plasma-induced graft polymerization was used to modify carbon nanotubes (CNTs), in which maleic anhydride (MAH) was used as polymeric monomer and argon as plasma source. The polymer film-modified CNTs (p-CNTs) were introduced into epoxy resin (EP) to obtain p-CNT/EP composites and their effects on EP properties were studied. The p-CNTs were characterized by FTIR and scanning electron microscopy. Results show that maleic anhydride can be graft polymerized onto the surface of CNTs using the plasma technique, forming a uniform polymaleic anhydride (PMAH) film. The mechanical properties of EP were greatly improved by adding p-CNTs.