Modifications of carbon nanotubes with polymers

The chemical functionalizations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) could enhance their chemical compatibility and dissolution properties, which enable both a more extensive characterization and subsequent chemical reactivity. The modifications with polymers could not only improve CNTs' solubility and dispersibility but also the interfacial interaction to polymeric matrices in its composites. The main methods for the modification of CNTs with polymers are noncovalent attachment (polymer wrapping and absorption) and covalent attachment ("grafting to" and "grafting from"). The current states of the literatures in the field are presented in this review. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.