Synthesis and Characterization of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) Grafted CArbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were functionalized with 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid via "direct" Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction in PPA/P 2 O 5 to afford ortto-diamino-functionalized SWCNT (DIF-SWCNT) and MWCNT (DIF-MWCNT). The resultant DIF-SWCNT and DIF-MWCNT showed improved solubility and dispersibility. To improve interfacial adhesion between CNT and polymer matrix, the grafting of ABPBI onto the surface of DIF-SWCNT (10 wt%) or DIF-MWCNT (10 wt%) was conducted by simple in-situ polymerization of AB monomer, 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid dihydrochloride, in PPA. The resultant ABPBI-g-MWCNT and ABPBI-g-SWCNT showed improved the mechanical and electrical properties.