Organic functionalization of carbon nanofibers for composite applications

Abstract The present work reports the study of the effect of different chemical functionalization methods on the interfacial characteristics of the polymer composites formed. The chemically modified carbon nanofibers were blended with polypropylene (PP) and PP modified with maleic anhydride on a mini twin‐screw extruder. The functionalization methods were designed for minimum fiber damage and enhanced fiber/matrix interactions by chemical reaction of the functional groups introduced at the nanofibers surface with the maleic anhydride grafted at the PP. The degree of nanofiber functionalization was studied using thermogravimetric analysis. The composites were analyzed for nanofiber dispersion, mechanical properties, and electrical resistivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers