Synthesis and Properties of PVA/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

This chapter is an overview of the synthesis and properties of PVA/nanotube composites. Various films and fibers have been processed from carbon nanotube and PVA dispersions. Compared to other polymers, PVA exhibits particularly strong interaction with single-walled as well as multiwalled carbon nanotubes. This leads to unique properties which are not oberved in other nanotube polymer nanocomposites. In particular, this literature review confirms that nanotubes can promote PVA crystallization in the vicinity of their interface. This yields imporvements of mechanical stress transfer. This effect can be enhanced with the surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes, in particular with hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, which display hudrogen bonds with PVA. Beyond the usual mechanical and electrical performances, this review also points out the emergence of other original properties, like the remarkable capabillity of some nanotube/PVA composites to absorb mechanical energy and shape memory phenomena that differ from traditional behaviors of other polymrers. These features are opening new investigation fields, in which several fundamental questions will have to be solved. But they also offer new opportunities for a variety of applications like smart or protective clothing, helmets, bullet proof vests, or active composites