Carbon nanotube/polymer composites resistant to ionizing radiation

Abstract

Polymer composites directed to single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) dispersed within poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and their methods of synthesis. Composites of the present invention are also formulated as films and spun coat onto desired substrates. Advantageously, both the composites and films of the present invention exhibit resistance to radiation.

1 . A method for the production of a nanotube/polymer composite resistant to ionizing radiation comprising: 
 a) sonicating single wall carbon nanotubes;    b) introducing polymethylmethacrylate into the sonicated single wall carbon nanotubes to form a PMMA/SWNT mixture; and    c) sonicating the PMMA/SWNT mixture.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 d) precipitating the PMMA/SWNT mixture; and    e) drying the PMMA/SWNT mixture precipitate.    
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the PMMA/SWNT mixture is dried in an oven at 110° C. for two days.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 f) folding the dried PMMA/SWNT mixture;    g) fracturing the dried PMMA/SWNT mixture;    h) stacking the fractured PMMA/SWNT between two polished plates; and    i) hot pressing the plates together.    
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the plates are hot pressed together at 275° F. and 3,000 lbs for thirty minutes.  
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the sonicated PMMA/SWNT mixture is spun coat onto silicon wafers.  
     
     
         7 . A method for providing a device with improved resistance to ionizing radiation comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing a device that is subjected to ionizing radiation when in use, the device comprising a single wall carbon nanotube/polymer composite at least at its surface; and    b) exposing the device to ionizing radiation, whereby the device exhibits improved resistance to ionizing radiation.    
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the polymer is poly(methyl)methacrylate.  
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the device is molded of the single wall carbon nanotube/polymer composite.  
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the device is coated with the single wall carbon nanotube/polymer composite.  
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the device is a biomedical plastic, a scintillator, or a structure used in a space environment.