Carbon nanotubes-based nanohybrids for multifunctional nanocomposites

In the present work, nano-hybrids based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) bearing immobilized, either through covalent linkage and physical absorption, commercial anti-oxidant molecules have been formulated and used as nanofillers in Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), aiming at preparing multifunctional nanocomposites. The effective immobilization of the anti-oxidant molecules has been probed by spectroscopic and thermogravimetric analyses. The study of the morphology and the rheological behaviour of the nanocomposites show that the immobilization of anti-oxidant molecules onto the CNTs surface is beneficial for the state of the polymer/nanoparticles interfacial region. Additionally, the study of the nanocomposites thermo-oxidative behaviour reveals that the nano-hybrids are able to exert a remarkable anti-oxidant action which is related to the strong interactions established between the antioxidant molecules and the CNTs, resulting in the formation of structural defects onto the CNTs surface and in the consequent amplification of the intrinsic CNTs radical scavenging activity. (C) 2017 The Authors. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.