Surface modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized via oxidation with a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Thus functionalized nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) were silanized using a coupling agent, 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (3-APTES). The f-MWCNTs and the reaction product of f-MWCNTs and 3-APTES (APTES–MWCNTs) were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. The results indicate the attachment of silane molecules on the surface of the functionalized MWCNTs. This silanization method allows for the improvement of the chemical compatibility of MWCNTs with specific polymers for application in nanotube-based polymer matrix composites.