Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes in Solutions of Oxyethylated Isononylphenols

Abstract

Nonionic surfactants added in concentrations significantly exceeding the critical micelle concentration in water increase by a factor of 1.5–2 the content of nanotubes in the dispersion volume upon ultrasonic dispersion of carbon nanotubes and enhance the stability of the system. Homologs with the mean degree of oxyethylation n = 10–12 exhibit the strongest dispersing and stabilizing properties. The electrokinetic properties of carbon nanotube dispersions are influenced by the concentration and degree of oxyethylation of the surfactants. The dispersions obtained can be used for modification of butadiene–styrene latexes and vulcanized rubbers based on them.