Mechanical properties and biocompatibility of functionalized carbon nanotubes/polypropylene composites

This study investigates the efficiency of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcement for polypropylene (PP) for biocompatible application as a function of different surface functionalization of CNTs. PP composites were reinforced using various CNTs: single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs, MWCNTs), SWCNTs were covalently functionalized by plasma, for comparison, the MWCNTs were functionalized noncovalently. Different CNTs were incorporated into PP by solution blending. The type of CNTs and surface functionalization affects the mechanical and biocompatibility results significantly. Differences in nanostructure and the chemical compositions, number of functional groups, and structural defects for the CNTs may be the key factors affecting the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of PP nanocomposites compared to the neat PP. Finally, suitable CNTs and surface functionalization of CNTs were selected for making the PP/CNTs composites.