Surface modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes: Toward the tailoring of the interface in polymer composites

The ability to modify the surface of carbon nanotubes is of crucial importance for their utilization in different applications. In the present paper we report on the chemical modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) by means of epoxide-based functional groups. MWNT were first carboxylated along their walls. This was followed by further reactions to attach di-glycidyl ether of bisphenol-A-based epoxide resin. The behavior of the modified nanotubes in various solvents was altered due to the chemical changes, and analytical techniques were utilized to detect the chemical attachments. The implications of the surface modification achieved are discussed primarily in terms of nanotube-polymer composite applications.