Synthesis of PMMA-co-PMAA Copolymer Brush on Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Petr Slobodian, Petr Svoboda, Pavel Riha, Roman Boruta, Petr Saha

Centre of Polymer Systems, University Institute, Tomas Bata University, Zlin, Czech Republic.
Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University, Zlin, Czech Republic; 4Institute of Hydrodynamics, Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
Institute of Hydrodynamics, Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic..
Polymer Centre, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University, Zlin, Czech Republic.

DOI: 10.4236/jsemat.2012.223034                

Abstract

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(methacrylamide) copolymer (PMMA-co-PMAA) was synthesized by a free radical copolymerization of MMA and MAA monomers in methylethyl ketone using AIBN as radical initiator. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were oxidized in KMnO₄ acidic suspension. Carboxyl groups on the surface oxidized MWCNT were reacted with primary amide group of PMMA-co-PMAA copolymer in MEK solution under ultrasound to form polymer brush on the surface of MWCNT. With the help of TG analyses the amount of covalently grafted PMMA-co-PMAA copolymer onto MWCNT surface was determined as ?47 wt%. TEM analyses identified thin co-polymer layer adhered onto MWCNT surface with average thickness ?5 nm.

Keywords

Carbon Nanotubes; Functionalization; PMMA; PMAA; Polymer brush

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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