Conductive Polymeric Composites Based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Linseed Oil Functionalized and Cross-Linked with Diacetylenes from Propargyl Alcohol

Abstract

Diacetylene-functionalized epoxidized linseed oil (DAELO) matrix was synthesized in order to improve the dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) without the necessity of some chemical or physical modification of them. That fact was evidenced by the low critical concentration of DAELO-based composites in comparison (1.0 wt% MWCNTs) with the epoxidized linseed oil-(ELO-) based composites (5 wt% MWCNTs). For this, both series of composites were prepared by the ultrasonic dispersion method using the same conditions of solvent, dilution, and sonication time. It was shown that, tailoring the polymer matrix with groups rich in nonpolar electric density, as diacetylene, and capable of interacting by van der Waals forces, it is possible to improve the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) without necessity of some modification knowing that those treatments usually affect lowering their electrical properties.