Combined Atomic and Molecular Layer Deposition Surface Modification of Carbon Nanotubes for CNT–Epoxy Polymer Composites

Optimizing the interactions between matrix and reinforcement components is key to attaining high-performance composite materials. Yet, balancing reinforcing–matrix phase for synthetic composites remains a great challenge. Here, combined methodology using molecular atomic layer deposition (M/ALD) demonstrated tailoring carbon nanotube (CNT) interfacial interactions, yielding high-performance-reinforced polymer composites. CNT mats are used as model system systematically study details they do not involve powder processing other aspects which obscure understanding of level effects. Noncovalent attachment M/ALD at interface allows good wetting CNTs, provides an effective means stress dissipation without compromising CNTs’ Csp2–Csp2 network intact, while introducing amine functionalities facilitate cross-linking (epoxy). M/ALD-modified mat–epoxy showed increase in maximal tensile strength toughness up 32 247%, respectively. These findings may pave way develop high loading well nano-reinforced systems showing both numerous desirable properties related nanomaterial general.