Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are innovative materials with enormous potential because of their outstanding mechanical and physical properties [1]. Their utilization to prepare polymer composites is very important in several fields like electromagnetic shielding, touch screens and static charge dissipation. In this regard the possibility to realize a fully integrated nanotube-reinforced epoxy system represents a promise for the preparation of composite materials with outstanding mechanical properties and multi-functional features [2,3]. However, the incorporation of nanotubes is not a trivial task mainly if a good dispersion for a chemical grafting to the polymer matrix are mandatory to maximize the advantage of nanotube reinforcement.
Here we report our recent activities on the processing of polymer matrix nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and, in particular, the chemorheological aspects that affect the interaction of nanofillers and the matrix. Specific models are applied to describe the kinetics of the different reactive processes and the changes of the polymer structure.
Regarding the polymer-nanotube interaction, the plasma treatment for the functionalization of carbon nanotubes represents a novel approach easy to scale up to industrial application. More recently there were a lot of attempts to fluorinate carbon nanotube sidewalls in such manner [4-7].
In this work we report how plasma functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (F-CNTs) can be used as precursors for the compatibilization with polymeric matrices for preparing an integrated nanotube composite material. The results show the emergence of specific interactions of cross-linking between thermosetting matrix and amino-functionalized CNTs during the cure reaction with an improvement of the mechanical properties with respect to those prepared with un-functionalized CNTs. The possibility of using functionalized CNTs to make possible a “mix and match” approach towards classes of hybrid materials will be reported suggesting the possibility of tuning the electrical properties by combining the electric field in the assembling processing.
Moreover it was demonstrated as electrophoretically deposited CNT thin films provide a simple route to obtain layered functional nanostructures by growing homogeneous films of carbon nanotubes and infiltrating polymer or monomer, followed by in situ polymerization. Some examples where electrophoretically deposited SWCNT films were infiltrated with monomer and then the monomer was polymerized are reported [8].


Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Professor José M. Kenny got his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of South (Bahia Blanca, Argentina). He is Full Professor of Materials Science and Technology at the University of Perugia, where he also teaches Polymer Technology and Materials Nanotechnology. Moreover, Prof. Kenny is the President of the Board of the ECNP: European Centre for Nanostructured Polymers installed by the 11 core-partners of the European Network of Excellence NANOFUN-POLY. Prof. Kenny is the Director of the International PhD Program on Materials Nanotechnology and of the European Master on Polymer Nanotechnology coordinated by the University of Perugia in collaboration with several European Universities. Both programs are supported by the European Network of Excellence NANOFUN-POLY and the ECNP coordinated by Prof. Kenny.During his career Prof. Kenny has been visiting and research professor in the following universities: University of Naples (1984-1991), University of Connecticut: (1989) University of Washington (1990), Washington University of Saint Louis (1991). He has published more than 300 papers in international scientific journals and books related to the processing technologies of polymers, composites and nanocomposites. Prof.Kenny has directed more than 100 final projects for the degree in Materials Engineering and more than 30 PhD theses on Industrial Engineering and Materials Nanotechnology. He has coordinated several Italian and international research projects and is member of several scientific societies: he is currently Past-President of the SAMPE Europe (Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering) and recently has been elected member of the Board of the Italian Industrial Association of Composite Materials.