One-step fabrication of free-standing flexible membranes reinforced with self-assembled arrays of carbon nanotubes

Year: 2014

Authors: Grilli S., Coppola S., Vespini V., Pagliarulo V., Nasti G., Carfagna C., Ferraro P.

Autors Affiliation: Istituto Nazionale di Ottica (CNR) Via Campi Flegrei, 34 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy;
Department of Chemical Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80 (Naples), Italy;
Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials, National Council of Research of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy

Abstract: Here, we report on a single step approach for fabricating free-standing polymer membranes reinforced with arrayed self-assembled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The CNTs are self-assembled spontaneously by electrode-free DC dielectrophoresis based on surface charge templates. The electrical charge template is generated through the pyroelectric effect onto periodically poled lithium niobate ferroelectric crystals. A thermal stimulus enables simultaneously the self-assembly of the CNTs and the cross-linking of the host polymer. Examples of thin polydimethylsiloxane membranes reinforced with CNT patterns are shown. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

Journal/Review: APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS

Volume: 105 (15)      Pages from: 153101-1  to: 153101-5

More Information: The authors acknowledge the Italian Ministry of Research and the National Council of Research for the financial support under the Projects Futuro in Ricerca 2010 (Protocol RBFR10FKZH) and EFOR-CABIR, respectively. The authors would like to acknowledge the help and support of Andrea Finizio during the experimental stage of this work.
KeyWords: Composite Fibers; Lithium-niobate; Electric-field; Films; Dielectrophoresis; Transparent; Dispersion; Particles; Alignment; Networks
DOI: 10.1063/1.4898206

Citations: 7
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