Carbon Nanotubes Embedded in Oriented Polymer Nanofibers by Electrospinning

• DOI: 10.1021/la034234i
• Publication Date: 2003-08-12T05:22:56Z
• Authors: Yael Dror; Wael Salalha; Rafail L. Khalfin; Yachin Cohen; Alexander L. Yarin; Eyal Zussman
• Keywords: Electrospinning

The electrospinning process was used successfully to fabricate nanofibers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in which multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are embedded. Initial dispersion MWCNTs water achieved using amphiphiles, either as small molecules (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) or a high molecular weight, highly branched polymer (Gum Arabic). These dispersions provided separation the and their individual incorporation into PEO by subsequent electrospinning. focus this work is on development axial orientations these multicomponent nanofibers. A theoretical model presented for behavior rodlike particles representing CNTs Initially rods randomly oriented, but due sinklike flow wedge they gradually oriented mainly along stream lines, so that straight almost upon entering electrospun jet. degrees orientation polymer, surfactant, MWCNT were studied X-ray diffraction transmission electron microscopy. Oriented ropes fabricated converging electric field rotating disk with tapered edge. degree alignment crystals found containing only PEO, well PEO/SDS. latter also exhibited SDS layers. significantly reduced MWCNT-containing Transmission microscopy (TEM) images indicated embedded elements, mostly aligned fiber axis. Nevertheless, there many cases appear twisted, bent, other irregularities. Comparison cryo-TEM vitrified TEM raw sonication during may be responsible irregularities observed some nanotubes.