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Effect of carbon nanotubes and their dispersion on thermal curing of polyimide precursors

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

Abstract

The process of thermal imidization reaction is significant for temperature and time control in the polyimide industry. Here, we report the effect of carbon nanotubes and their states of dispersion on the thermal imidization of the precursor films of polyimide (poly(amic acid)) for the first time. The curing process was followed by measuring Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra, fluorescence spectra, thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimeter (TG-DSC) properties and the refractive indices of films. It was found that by evenly dispersing 1 wt% of carbon nanotubes assisted by a dispersant in the poly(amic acid),the full imidization temperature of the polyimide can be reduced from 300 °C to 250 °C. Different states of distribution of CNTs were observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and proved that a better dispersion of carbon nanotubes dramatically enhanced the speed of imidization. Moreover, the DSC results showed that lower decomposition temperature of poly(amic acid) could be obtained with more uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes, which means the process of cyclodehydration of the poly(amic acid) was accelerated. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1672-1678
JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability
Volume95
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2010

Research Keywords

  • Curing
  • Distribution
  • Fluorescence
  • Polyimide/carbon nanotube composite
  • Thermal imidization

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