Ultrasonic-assisted biosurface modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with Thiamine and its influence on the properties of PVC/Tm-MWCNTs nanocomposite films.

The present paper represents a simple and efficient technique via ultrasonic irradiation, which utilized for chemical treatment of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) with Thiamine (Tm). Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based nanocomposites (NC)s were prepared by the incorporation of various amounts of modified MWCNTs (4, 8, and 12wt%) within the PVC matrix by blending solution and ultrasonic distribution methods. The morphological, chemical structure and thermal stability of the PVC/Tm-MWCNT NCs were identified via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The obtained results of thermal behavior indicated the high thermal stability of PVC/Tm-MWCNT NCs in comparison with the pure PVC via presenting diverse quantities of Tm-MWCNTs. In addition, the mechanical behavior of the PVC/Tm-MWCNT NCs films was examined and the results exhibited that mechanical properties of fabricated NCs were improved.