Preparation of degradable cross-linked carbon nanotubes incorporated polymer via "click" chemistry

• Published in: Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals Vol. 707; no. 1; pp. 21 - 28
• Main Authors: Thang Cao, Xuan, Duy Nguyen, Trinh, Nguyen, Van Cuong, Doan, Van-Dat, Thang Phan, Quoc, Taek Lim, Kwon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Taylor & Francis 12-08-2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Alkynes; Carbon nanotubes; Chemical reactions; click chemistry; Copolymers; cross-linking; Crosslinking; Cycloaddition; degradable; Degradation; Diels-Alder; Electrons; Fourier transforms; Gravimetric analysis; Infrared analysis; Infrared spectroscopy; Maleic anhydride; Nanotechnology; Polymers; Polystyrene resins; Raman spectroscopy; Styrene; Thermal analysis
• ISSN: 1542-1406; 1563-5287; 1527-1943
• DOI: 10.1080/15421406.2020.1743451

In this study, degradable cross-linked carbon nanotubes (CNTs) incorporated polymer was prepared by a facile route using "click" chemistry. Firstly, copolymers of poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PSM) were functionalized with furfuryl amine and propargyl amine in a simple one-pot reaction to produce furan-alkyne bifunctional PSM copolymers (PSFA). Secondly, the PSFA chains were covalently anchored to the surface of CNTs by the Diels-Alder "click"-type reaction in water under ultrasound assistance affording PSFA/CNTs. Eventually, azide-alkyne cycloaddition click reaction was taken place between the PSFA/CNTs and bis-(azidoethyl)disulfide as a crosslinking agent in the presence of Cu(0)/PMDTA catalyst system. The successful functionalization of CNTs was confirmed by a series of characterization techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The degradable cross-linked PSFA/CNTs could convert hydrophobic to hydrophilic character under reducing environment.