Protein-functionalized carbon nanotube-polymer composites

Abstract

We have developed fully integrated nanotube composite materials through the functionalization of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by covalently attaching ferritin protein molecules onto the surface of MWCNTs. The investigation of the thermomechanical behavior was performed by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Results demonstrated dramatic enhancement in the mechanical properties of PVA, for example a 100%-110% increase in the modulus with the addition of 1.5 wt% of ferritin functionalized MWCNTs. Samples containing functionalized nanotubes showed a stronger influence on glass transition temperature in comparison to composites containing the same amount of nonfunctionalized nanotubes. © 2005 American Institute of Physics.