Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Polymer Composites by Electrophoretic Deposition

A multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) composite coating was produced on copper substrate from aqueous suspensions using electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The concentrations of different additives were optimized to obtain stable suspensions of MWCNT. At the optimum EPD condition, a coating of thickness 170 μm is obtained at voltage of 30V and deposition time of 3 minutes with well dispersed MWCNT in the polymer matrix. The adhesive strength of the MWCNT/HDI composite coating is assessed qualitatively by peel test using adhesive tape. The bonding strength of coating is significantly improved in presence of the polymeric resin, HDI in the suspensions. The mechanism for improved adhesive strength is due to acid-base reaction between metal hydroxide and polymeric resin. The composite materials may find application in heat exchanger devices and corrosion protection of active metals such as copper.