Synthesis and Physical Properties Characterization of Montmorillonite-modified Carbon Nanotubes Filler

Abstract

A combination of two different nano-sized materials could produce nano composite fillers. In this research, montmorillonite and carbon nanotubes were combined using sol gel method. Carbon nanotubes were oxidized in an acidic state and combined with montmorillonite at composition of 1:1. The fillers were subsequently characterized using FTIR, XRD and SEM to determine the physical properties of the synthesized material. The FTIR spectra of the montmorillonite-carbon nanotube nano filler display bands at 3429, 1076, and 798 cm-1 which correspond to OH functional groups, Si-O-Si stretching, and Si-O-Si vibration, respectively. The unique diffractogram peaks of the montmorillonite-carbon nanotube nano filler at 2θ were 20.96, 26.59, 34.89, and 50.10°. Study of SEM images shows the growth of carbon nanotubes on the surface of montmorillonite. These filler properties lead to very promising requirement to be used in membrane fabrication.