Recent Advances in Characterization Techniques for the Interface in Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites

Figure 13

Direct evidence of multiple polymer sheathing layers in a polycarbonate nanocomposite reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes, confirmed by the nanomanipulation contact experiments carried out under a scanning electron microscope. (a) Initial contact with an individual, protruding multiwalled carbon nanotube by a tip of the cantilever of an atomic force microscope. (b) The inner structure of the nanocomposite has become detached partially from the outer polymer sheathing layer in the process of bending. (c) Such a structure is clamped to a tip of the cantilever of an atomic force microscope by electron beam-induced deposition, and the outer polymer sheathing layer balls up. (d) The inner structure has been broken close to the fracture surface of the nanocomposite during tensile loading. (e) The fracture broken end of the coated multiwalled carbon nanotube provides clear evidence of a double polymer sheathing layer. (f) Higher magnification image of the fracture broken end of the coated multiwalled carbon nanotube (adapted with permission from reference [107]; Copyright 2003, American Chemical Society).

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