Abstract
A simple and fast method has been developed for the covalently functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with d-sucrose carbohydrate (MWCNT-Suc) in an aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared technique confirmed the ester linkage between the MWCNTs and sucrose. Good water solubilization of MWCNTs was obtained. Nanotube-reinforced poly(amide-imide) (PAI) nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared by mixing MWCNT-Suc with alanine amino acid-based PAI matrix. A homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs throughout PAI matrix was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that compared to the neat PAI system, obtained NCs with 10 and 15 wt% MWCNT-Suc loadings exhibited higher-onset decomposition temperatures and also higher char residue (higher than 56 % at 800 °C in argon atmosphere).