Preparation and characterization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate–chitosan functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

Surface of chitosan (CS) functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was modified by using 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomers and the composites were synthesized under microwave irradiation. In this approach, multiwalled carbon nanotubes were functionalized with HEMA and CS in two steps. Firstly, CS was grafted onto the surface and side wall of carbon nanotubes by using microwave irradiation. At the second step, HEMA monomers were grafted onto the polymeric matrix surface. The modified surface of CS functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotube composites are confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, Transmission electron microscopic and scanning electron microscopic images show the morphological changes of the carbon nanotubes. Thermal gravimetric analysis shows content of HEMA–CS functionalized MWCNTs in the composites. Dispersibility of pristine MWCNTs was compared with dispersibility of resultant composites in aqueous phase as well. Results show that composites have higher dispersibility in aqueous phase. Considering the biomedical importance of HEMA monomers and CS polymer, in future, these materials are expected to be useful in the pharmaceutical industry as novel biomaterials composites with potential applications in drug delivery. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:495–500, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers