Fabrication and properties of clay‐supported carbon nanotube/poly (vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites

Abstract Clay‐supported carbon nanotubes (Cs‐CNTs) were used as novel nanofillers to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of a polymer. Cs‐CNT/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite films were successfully fabricated, and their relative properties were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Experimental results showed that the thermal stability and dynamic mechanical properties of PVA were remarkably enhanced by incorporating the Cs‐CNTs into PVA matrix. The largest T_g difference of 14°C was obtained between pure PVA and PVA nanocomposite with 7 wt% Cs‐CNTs. Moreover, the storage modulus of PVA was significantly improved by 133% at 50°C, when 7 wt% Cs‐CNTs was added to PVA matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers