Polymer-Carbon Nanotube Composites

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Thermal degradation of polymer–carbon nanotube composites

S.P. Su,     Hunan Normal University

Y.H. Xu,     Hunan Normal University

P.R. China,     Marquette University, USA

C.A. Wilkie,     Marquette University, USA

Abstract:

This chapter discusses the thermal degradation of polymer–carbon nanotube (CNT) composites which plays a crucial role in determining their processing and applications. The chapter first reviews the mechanisms of thermal degradation/stability improvement by carbon nanotubes, which is affected by the barrier effect, thermal conductivity of CNT, physical or chemical adsorption, radical scavenging action, and polymer–nanotube interaction. It then describes the thermal degradation/stability of polymer–CNT composites ...