ABSTRACT
Among the many potential applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), their use as reinforcing llers for the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites has received considerable attention [1-4]. Both single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs and MWCNTs, respectively) are noted for their outstanding thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. Polypropylene (PP) is a widely used thermoplastic because of its low cost, good processability, and well-balanced physical and mechanical properties. Products of PP take the forms of bers, lms, and molded articles. This chapter highlights the microstructure and properties of PP/CNT nanocomposites. Since most studies dealt with isotactic polypropylene, the term “PP” in this chapter refers to isotactic polypropylene unless otherwise stated.
Three methods are generally used to fabricate PP/CNT nanocomposites: solution mixing, in situ polymerization, and melt mixing. For solution mixing, CNTs are suspended in a solvent by mechanical stirring or ultrasonication. The suspension is then mixed with polymer solution. The nanocomposites are obtained by evaporating off the solvent or by precipitation in
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