Carbon nanotubes-based nanohybrids for multifunctional nanocomposites

In the present work, nano-hybrids based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) bearing immobilized, either through covalent linkage and physical absorption, commercial anti-oxidant molecules have been formulated and used as nanofillers in Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), aiming at preparing multifunctional nanocomposites. The effective immobilization of the anti-oxidant molecules has been probed by spectroscopic and thermogravimetric analyses. The study of the morphology and the rheological behaviour of the nanocomposites show that the immobilization of anti-oxidant molecules onto the CNTs surface is beneficial for the state of the polymer/nanoparticles interfacial region. Additionally, the study of the nanocomposites thermo-oxidative behaviour reveals that the nano-hybrids are able to exert a remarkable anti-oxidant action which is related to the strong interactions established between the anti-oxidant molecules and the CNTs, resulting in the formation of structural defects onto the CNTs surface and in the consequent amplification of the intrinsic CNTs radical scavenging activity.