Microwave-assisted treatment of MWCNTs with vitamin B 2: Study on morphology, tensile and thermal behaviors of poly (vinyl alcohol) based nanocomposites

Abstract

In the current investigation, vitamin B₂ (B₂) as a biological and safe molecule was grafted on the surface wall of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-CA) via microwave radiation. Solution blending technique was utilized to increase interfacial interactions and distribution of MWCNTs within biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix to fabricate PVA-based nanocomposites (NCs). The structure of NCs was thoroughly studied by different techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra confirmed the linkage of B₂ onto MWCNTs. Microscopic observations demonstrated homogeneous distribution of tubes and imposed interaction among the polymer matrix and the modified MWCNTs. The amount of B₂ grafted onto MWCNTs was found to be about 10 wt% by thermogravimetric analysis. From the data obtained, it is clear that with increasing of MWCNTs-B₂ quantity, the thermal properties of NCs were upgraded. The influence of the MWCNTs on the tensile behavior of the NCs has been also evaluated. It was improved with the increasing of the amount of MWCNTs-B₂.