Synthesis of PMMA-co-PMAA Copolymer Brush on Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(methacrylamide) copolymer (PMMA-co-PMAA) was synthesized by a free radical copolymerization of MMA and MAA monomers in methylethyl ketone using AIBN as radical initiator. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were oxidized in KMnO4 acidic suspension. Carboxyl groups on the surface oxidized MWCNT were reacted with primary amide group of PMMA-co-PMAA copolymer in MEK solution under ultrasound to form polymer brush on the surface of MWCNT. With the help of TG analyses the amount of covalently grafted PMMA-co-PMAA copolymer onto MWCNT surface was determined as ?47 wt%. TEM analyses identified thin co-polymer layer adhered onto MWCNT surface with average thickness ?5 nm.