Polymeric structures with carbon nanotubes: laser processing, characterization and applications

Author(s)

Adriano José Galvani Otuka

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC/SBD)
• Defense date: 2016-12-16

Examining board members

Cleber Renato Mendonça; Debora Terezia Balogh; Dante Luis Chinaglia; Rogéria Rocha Gonçalves; Valmor Roberto Mastelaro

• Advisor: Cleber Renato Mendonça

Abstract

In this work we present polymeric structures functionalized with carbon nanotubes, which are processed using laser fabrication techniques. Firstly, we present a methodology to incorporate single-walled carbon nanotubes, functionalized with carboxylic acid (SWCNT-COOH) into acrylate resins. The resins functionalization was obtained, being possible to incorporate nanotubes in a range of 0.01% to 1% by weight. In addition, aiming at optical and optoelectronic applications, such functionalized resins can also be mixed with Rhodamine B or MEH-PPV. Through the multiphoton absorption polymerization technique, threedimensional microstructures presenting good resolution (approximately 650 nm) and integrity were fabricated using these resins. Raman spectroscopy showed that SWCNT-COOH are distributed throughout the volume of the microstructures, a required feature for devices applications. The structures functionalization was not restricted just to the volume. Acrylate microstructures were functionalized with SWCNT-COOH only on their surface, using the combination of Michael addition and carbodiimide coupling techniques. Raman analyzes also showed good distribution of the nanotubes on the polymeric surface. Even structures which were functionalized with low concentrations of SWCNT-COOH exhibited improvements in mechanical and electrical properties. Functionalized structures with 0.01% (by weight) of SWCNT-COOH proved to be more resistant in indentation tests than non-functionalized samples. Regarding the electrical properties, structures with the same functionalization range showed higher conductivity (in two orders) compared to the pure acrylate polymer. Finally, macroscopic structures, functionalized with Rhodamine B and carbon nanotubes present potential applicability in random laser experiments. Using direct laser writing, periodic patterns were fabricated within these functionalized structures, changing the characteristic emission of the random laser, setting the emission peaks at specific wavelengths. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/23587-1 - Polymeric structures with carbon nanotubes: laser processing, characterization and applications
• Grantee: Adriano José Galvani Otuka
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate