Effect of carbon nanotube functionalisation on the strength properties of nanocomposite cryogels based on polyvinyl alcohol

The paper investigates the effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) functionalisation on the strength properties of nanocomposite cryogels based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVS). The functionalisation of CNTs using different functional groups focuses on improving the adhesion of nanotubes and polymer matrix. It can significantly improve the mechanical properties of the obtained composites. During the experiment we performed tensile strength tests with different concentrations of unmodified, oxidised (CNT-COOH), and polyvinyl alcohol modified (CNT-PVS) carbon nanotubes. Hence, the introduction of CNTs and CNT COOH into the PVA cryogel matrix causes a significant increase in the strength properties. However, a statistically significant difference in the strength properties of composites with CNTs and CNT-COOH was only at a concentration of 0.1%. At the same time, the introduction of CNT-PVC up to a concentration of 0.5% enhances the strength characteristics of cryogels. The further increase in the concentration of CNT-PVC causes a decrease in the tensile strength.