Carbon nanotube-reinforced polyurethane composite fibers

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) reinforced polyurethane (PU) composite fibers have been fabricated via a twin-screw extrusion method. Significant improvement in Young's modulus and tensile strength were achieved by incorporating MWNTs up to 9.3 wt% while without sacrificing PU elastomer's high elongation at break. Electron microscopy was used to investigate dispersion and fracture surfaces, and Raman technique was used to receive information about degree of graphitization. Results indicated that the homogeneous dispersion of MWNTs throughout PU matrix and strong interfacial adhesion between oxidized MWNTs and the matrix are responsible for the considerable enhancement of mechanical properties of the composite fibers. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.