Nanostructured Polymeric Systems

Room temperature ionic liquids offer a new way to homogeneously disperse SWNTs in polymer systems while simultaneously initiating epoxy polymerization. The small particle size of SWNT minimizes disruption of the polymer matrix, while high surface area increases the interactions between the polymer and the SWNTs. The resulting composite materials show improved modulus, fracture toughness, thermal and electrical conductivity while maintaining a glass transition temperature comparable to the neat epoxy. This non-volatile solvent process creates nanocomposites with simplified processing and improved interfacial interactions. The nanocomposite enables control of desired material properties including mechanical, thermal and electrical by varying parameters such as particle size, surface area of the nanoparticle and the strength of the interfaces.