Morphology of composite particles of single wall carbon nanotubes/biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates prepared by spray drying

• DOI: 10.1007/s00289-009-0173-5
• Publication Date: 2009-11-25T04:17:25Z
• Authors: Seok Il Yun; Victor Lo; Johannes Noorman; Joel Davis; Robert A. Russell; Peter J. Holden; Gerry E. Gadd
• Keywords: Morphology; Particle (ecology); Carbon fibers

Spray drying was investigated as a strategy for producing single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/polymer composites. The spray-drying method produced SWCNT/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and SWCNT/poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) composite particles in which the SWCNTs have been trapped in a well-dispersed state throughout the polymer matrix. Increasing SWCNT content in the composite led to a change in particle morphology from spherical and smooth to rosette shape with angular distortions. The technique shows potential for bulk carbon composite fabrication.