130
L. V. Karabanova et al.
Fig. 8.5 SEM images of PU with 0.25% MWCNT-ox where the agglomeration of MWCNTs is
revealed (white nanotubes) resulting in areas of nearly pure PU (dark areas). Scale bars are 1 μm
(a), 200 nm (b) and 200 nm (c)
SEM images (Fig. 8.5) show the morphology of PU nanocomposites containing
0.25 wt. % MWCNT-ox, which confirms the results of TEM analysis. Both
individually separated nanotubes (Fig. 8.5a) and their agglomerates (Fig. 8.5b) are
observed. Additionally, nanotubes appear to be well coated by the polymer matrix
(Fig. 8.5c). This means that the covalent bonding of MWCNTs to the polymer
matrix creates a stable interfacial layer on the nanotube surface in order to generate
nanocomposites with improved properties.
8.3.5 Thermodynamics of Polymer-Filler Interactions in the
Nanocomposites
The calculation of the thermodynamic parameters of interaction between MWCNT
with functionalized surfaces and polymer matrix in the created nanocomposites
was carried out. The basis for the calculation of the thermodynamic parameters
was the experimental isotherms of solvent vapour sorption by the samples. The
vapour sorption of dichloromethane at 20 ◦ C by samples of polyurethane, fillers
L. V. Karabanova et al.
Fig. 8.5 SEM images of PU with 0.25% MWCNT-ox where the agglomeration of MWCNTs is
revealed (white nanotubes) resulting in areas of nearly pure PU (dark areas). Scale bars are 1 μm
(a), 200 nm (b) and 200 nm (c)
SEM images (Fig. 8.5) show the morphology of PU nanocomposites containing
0.25 wt. % MWCNT-ox, which confirms the results of TEM analysis. Both
individually separated nanotubes (Fig. 8.5a) and their agglomerates (Fig. 8.5b) are
observed. Additionally, nanotubes appear to be well coated by the polymer matrix
(Fig. 8.5c). This means that the covalent bonding of MWCNTs to the polymer
matrix creates a stable interfacial layer on the nanotube surface in order to generate
nanocomposites with improved properties.
8.3.5 Thermodynamics of Polymer-Filler Interactions in the
Nanocomposites
The calculation of the thermodynamic parameters of interaction between MWCNT
with functionalized surfaces and polymer matrix in the created nanocomposites
was carried out. The basis for the calculation of the thermodynamic parameters
was the experimental isotherms of solvent vapour sorption by the samples. The
vapour sorption of dichloromethane at 20 ◦ C by samples of polyurethane, fillers