Evolution and evaluation of the polymer/nanotube composite

Abstract

Composite structures, using MWNT and SWNT and the polymer (PmPV) exhibit properties which enhance those of the individual components. The polymer PmPV can act as an organic filter for the multiwalled system where the MWNT are indefinitely suspended in the polymer solution while the carbonaceous material falls out of solution. Raman measurements of this show a complete reduction of the amorphous line at 1350 cm-1. We see that we can alter the luminescence quantum yield of the composite, where the effects are different depending on which nanotubes are used. When we examine the SWNT/PmPV the quantum yield is increased. The MWNT composite also shows strong non-linear optical signal. The pristine polymer has an χ(3) of 10-11 esu whereas the composite χ(3) is -10-10 esu.