Ionizing radiation effects on interfaces in carbon nanotube-polymer composites

Julie P. Harmon, Patricia Anne O. Muisener, La Netra Clayton, John D'Angelo, Arun K. Sikder, Ashok Kumar, Meyya Meyyappan, Alan M. Cassell

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to probe nanotube-polymer composites for evidences of radiation induced chemistry at the interface of the host polymer and the nanotube structures. Single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) / poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites were fabricated and exposed to gamma radiation with a Co60 source at a dose rate of 1.28 × 106 rad/hour in an air environment for a total dose of 5.9 Mrads. Neat nanotube paper and neat PMMA were also exposed. Spun coat films of SWNT/PMMA were exposed to gamma radiation with a Ce157 at a dose rate of 4.46 × 103 rad/hr for a total dose of 3.86 Mrads. Both irradiated and non-irradiated samples were compared. Glass transition temperatures were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. Dynamic mechanical analysis and dielectric analysis evidenced changes in relaxations induced by irradiation. Irradiated composites exhibited radiation induced chemistry distinct from degradation effects noted in the pure polymer. Scanning electron microscopy provided images of the SWNTs and SWNT/PMMA interface before and after irradiation. This investigation imparts insight into the nature of radiation induced events in nanotubes and nanocomposites.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)425-435
Number of pages11
JournalMaterials Research Society Symposium - Proceedings
Volume697
StatePublished - 2002
EventSurface Engineering 2001 - Fundamentals and Applications - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: 26 Nov 200229 Nov 2002

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