Carbon Nanotube-Polymer Nanocomposites: Basic Concepts and Introductions

Carbon Nanotube (CNT) based nanomaterials have received surging attention in the last few decades due to their unique mechanical, electrical, and electron transport properties. As a functional material with a wide range of applications, developing CNT-reinforced polymer composite is expected to expand the horizons of uses in devices dealing with energy supply to structural features. However, their poor solubility and dispersibility have hindered their application utilization. It is crucial to understand how incorporating CNT in the polymer matrix alters microstructure in improvements in properties. In this chapter, some basic and advanced research on the properties and application of CNT and CNT-polymer nanocomposite has emphasized structural, interfacial interactions and experimental techniques to achieve good quality products. In addition, details have been provided regarding different types of CNTs and their strategies of synthesis, purification, dispersion, and functionalization to fabricate CNT-reinforced polymer composite with enhanced thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. Moreover, the mechanism to understand such improved behavior and optimum conditions at which maximum benefits could be derived from these composites are also discussed.