Carbon nanotube polymer composites

A compilation of various research articles, as a monograph on the current state of carbon nanotube polymer nanocomposites. A summary and critique of various polymer nanocomposite preparation methods including solution blending, melt mixing, and in situ polymerisation with a particular emphasis on effect of dispersion on dc electrical properties is given. The real need to disperse these nano entities in the matrix down to the individual scale lies in the fact that the performance of the nanocomposite depends greatly on the homogeneity of dispersion. In this direction, the literature is discussed and the subsequent description of various methods. This provides a pathway to improve the properties and performance of nanocomposites in the context of electrical properties in connection with aspect ratio, loading, dispersion state, and alignment of nanotubes. Finally, the current challenges and opportunities are discussed to efficiently translate the extraordinary properties of nanotubes to polymer matrices which facilitates a constant progress in this field of research.