Skip to main content

The significance of carbon nanotubes on styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and SBR modified mortar

Materials and Structures volume 45, pages 803–816 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

A New approach is introduced to incorporate multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in cementitious materials. The MWCNTs are dispersed in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) matrix before mixing the matrix with cement. Surfactants have been successfully applied to enhance the dispersion and functionalization of MWCNTs in SBR. The significance of using this MWCNTs–SBR nanocomposite on the mechanical characteristics including compressive and tensile strengths and microstructural features of latex modified mortar (LMM) were examined. Subsequently, the significance of the functionalized MWCNTs on surface chemistry, microstructure and thermal stability of SBR were characterized. MWCNTs were found to be a useful additive for enhancing the mechanical response and thermal stability of SBR. MWCNTs–SBR nanocomposite was observed to be able to bridge micro-cracks in the LMM which helped enhancing its mechanical properties. The ability of MWCNTs to enhance the mechanical response of SBR polymer matrix might be attributed to chemical bond that functionalized MWCNTs can establish with the SBR polymer matrix. The enhanced MWCNTs–SBR nanocomposite gave rise to improved microstructural features of the LMM. Microstructural investigations showed MWCNTs were well dispersed in and bonded to the SBR matrix.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

References

  1. ACI 548.3R-09 (2009) Report on polymer-modified concrete. ACI Committee 548, Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA

  2. ASTMC109M-08 (2008) Standard test method for compressive strength of hydraulic cement mortars. ASTM International, PA

  3. ASTMC150M-09 (2009) Standard specification for portland cement. ASTM International, PA

  4. ASTMC192M-07 (2007) Standard practice for making and curing concrete test specimens in the laboratory. ASTM International, PA

  5. ASTMC778-06 (2006) Standard specification for standard sand. ASTM International, PA

  6. Balasubramanian K, Burghard M (2004) Chemically functionalized carbon nanotubes. Small 1:180–192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Becher P (1965) Emulsions: theory and practice, 2nd edn. Reinhold, New York

    Google Scholar 

  8. Clarke JG, Wicks SR, Farr SJ (1993) Surfactant mediated effects in pressurized metered dose inhalers formulated as suspensions. I. Drug/surfactant interactions in a model propellant system. Int J Pharm 93:221–231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Campillo I, Dolado J, Porro A (2003) High-performance nanostructured materials for construction. In: 1st International symposium on nanotechnology in construction, pp 215–225. Paisley, Scotland

  10. Dalton, AB, Collins S, Muñoz E, Razal, JM, Ebron V, Ferraris JP, Coleman JN, Kim BG, Baughman RH (2003) Super-tough carbon-nanotube fibres. Nature 423:703

    Google Scholar 

  11. Dimmig A, Bode K, Erfurt W (2001) Methods of determining the gradient of damage in Polymer-modified mortar after freeze-deicing salt attack. In: Proceedings of the 10th international congress on polymers in concrete. Honolulu, Hawaii

  12. Dowling NE (2007) Mechanical behavior of materials: engineering methods for deformation, fracture, and fatigue, 3rd edn, pp 115–117. Pearson Education Inc., New Jersey

  13. Duesberg GS, Muster J, Krstic V, Burghard M, Roth S (1998) Chromatographic size separation of single-wall carbon nanotubes. Appl Phys A Mater 67:117–119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Fowler DW (2003) Polymers in concrete: where have we been and where are we going? Polymers in concrete: the first thirty years. ACI SP-214. Farmington Hills, Michigan

    Google Scholar 

  15. Frogley DM, Ravich D, Wagner HD (2003) Mechanical properties of carbon nanoparticle-reinforced elastomers. Compos Sci Technol 63:1647–1654

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Fukushima T, Kosaka A, Ishimura Y, Yamamoto T, Takigawa T, Ishii N, Aida T (2003) Molecular ordering of organic molten salts triggered by single-walled carbon nanotubes. Science 300:2072–2074

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Gabriel G, Sauthier G, Fraxedas J, Moreno-Mañas M, Martínez MT, Miravitlles C, Casabó J (2006) Preparation and characterization of single-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with amines. Carbon 44:1891–1897

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Geng Y, Liu MY, Li J, Shi XM, Kim JK (2008) Effects of surfactant treatment on mechanical and electrical properties of CNT/epoxy nanocomposites. Compos Part A 39:1876–1883

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Glatkowski PJ, Landrau N, Landis DH, Piche JW, Conroy JL (2006) Conformal coatings comprising carbon nanotubes. United States Patent: US20067118693

  20. Gong X, Liu J, Baskaran S, Voise RD, Young JS (2000) Surfactant-assisted processing of carbon nanotube/polymer composites. Chem Mater 12:1049–1052

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Grossiord N, Loos J, Regev O, Koning CE (2006) Toolbox for dispersing carbon nanotubes into polymers to get conductive nanocomposites. Chem Mater 18:1089–1099

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Harmon JP, Clayton LM, Muisener P (2006) Transparent polymer carbon nanotube composites and process for preparation. United States Patent: US20067094367

  23. Islam MF, Rojas E, Bergey DM, Johnson AT, Yodh AG (2003) High weight fraction surfactant solubilization of single-wall carbon nanotubes in water. Nano Lett 3:269–273

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Khan MU, Gomes VG, Altarawneh IS (2010) Synthesizing polystyrene/carbon nanotube composites by emulsion polymerization with non-covalent and covalent functionalization. Carbon 48:2925–2933

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Kim TH, Doe C, Kline SR, Choi SM (2007) Water-redispersible isolated single-walled carbon nanotubes fabricated by in situ polymerization of micelles. Adv Mater 19:929–933

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Kim YJ, Shin TS, Choi HD, Kwon JH, Chung YC, Yoon HG (2005) Electrical conductivity of chemically modified multiwalled carbon nanotube/epoxy composites. Carbon 43:23–30

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Kim YA, Hayashi T, Endo M, Gotoh Y, Wada N, Seiyama J (2006) Fabrication of aligned carbon nanotube-filled rubber composite. Scripta Mater 54:31–35

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Konsta-Gdoutos MS, Metaxa ZS, Shah SP (2010) Multi-scale mechanical and fracture characteristics and early-age strain capacity of high performance carbon nanotube/cement nanocomposites. Cem Concr Compos 32(2):110–115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Kueseng K, Jacob KI (2006) Natural rubber nanocomposites with SiC nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes. Eur Polym J 42:220–227

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Lee BI, Rives JP (1991) Dispersion of alumina powders in nonaqueous media. Colloid Surf 56:25–43

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Lee YS, Cho TH, Lee BK, Rho JS, An KH, Lee YH (2003) Surface properties of fluorinated single-walled carbon nanotubes. J Fluorine Chem 120:99–104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Li GY, Wang PM, Zhao X (2005) Mechanical behavior and microstructure of cement composites incorporating surface-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Carbon 43(6):1239–1245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Li GY, Wang PM, Zhao X (2007) Pressure-sensitive properties and microstructure of carbon nanotube reinforced cement composites. Cem Concr Compos 29(5):377–382

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  34. Luo J, Duan Z, Li H (2009) The influence of surfactants on the processing of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in reinforced cement matrix composites. Phys Status Solidi A 206(12):2783–2790

    Google Scholar 

  35. Ma PC, Kim JK, Tang BZ (2006) Functionalization of carbon nanotubes using a silane coupling agent. Carbon 44:3232–3238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Makar JM, Beaudoin JJ. (2003) Carbon nanotubes and their application in the construction industry. In: 1st International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction. Paisley, Scotland, p. 331-341

  37. Makar JM, Margeson J, Luh J (2005) Carbon nanotube/cement composites—early results and potential applications. In: 3rd International conference on construction materials: performance, innovations and structural implications, pp 1–10. Vancouver, BC

  38. Makar JM (2011) The effect of SWCNT and other nanomaterials on cement hydration and reinforcement. In Nanotechnology in Civil Infrastructure: a paradigm shift. Springer, Berlin, pp 103–130

    Google Scholar 

  39. Metaxa ZS, Konsta-Gdoutos MS, Shah SP (2010) Carbon nanofiber-reinforced cement-based materials. Trans Res B 2142:114–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Moore VC, Strano MS, Haroz EH, Hauge RH, Smalley RE, Schmidt J, Talmon Y (2003) Individually suspended single-walled carbon nanotubes in various surfactants. Nano Lett 3:1379–1382

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Musso S, Tulliani J-M, Ferro G, Tagliaferro A (2009) Influence of carbon nanotubes structure on the mechanical behavior of cement composites. Compos Sci Technol 69(11–12):1985–1990

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Odian G (2004) Principles of polymerization, 4th Edn. Wiley, Hoboken, New Jersey, ISBN 0-471-27400-3

  43. Ohama Y (1995) Handbook of polymer-modified concrete and mortars: properties and process technology. William Andrew, USA

    Google Scholar 

  44. Park KC, Hayashi T, Tomiyasu H, Endo M, Dresselhaus MS (2005) Progressive and invasive functionalization of carbon nanotubes sidewalls by diluted nitric acid under supercritical conditions. J Mater Chem 15:407–411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Razi FA, Atieh MA, Girun N, Chuah TG, El-Sadig M, Biak DRA (2006) Effect of multi-wall carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties of natural rubber. Compos Struct 75:496–500

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Sahoo NG, Rana S, Cho JW, Li L, Chan SH (2010) Polymer nanocomposites based on functionalized carbon nanotubes. Prog Polym Sci 35:837–867

    Google Scholar 

  47. Sanchez F (2009) Carbon nanofiber/cement composites: challenges and promises as structural materials. Int J Mater Struct Integrity 3:217–226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Sanchez F, Sobolev K (2010) Nanotechnology in concrete: a review. Constr Build Mater 24(11):2060–2071

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Seelenmeyer S, Ballauff M (2000) Analysis of surfactants adsorbed onto the surface of latex particles by small-angle X-ray scattering. Langmuir 16:4094–4099

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Seo MK, Park SJ, Lee SK (2005) Influence of atomospheric plasma on physicochemical properties of vapor-grown graphite nanofibers. J Colloid Interface Sci 285:306–313

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Shaker FA, ElDieb AS, Reda MM (1997) Durability of styrene-butadiene latex modified concrete. Cem Concr Res 27:711–720

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Sham ML, Kim JK (2006) Surface functionalities of multi-wall carbon nanotubes after UV/ozone and TETA treatments. Carbon 44:768–777

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Shi ZQ, Chung DDL (1997) Improving the abrasion resistance of mortar by adding latex and carbon fibers. Cem Concr Res 27:1149–1153

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Singh BP, Menchavez R, Takai C, Fuji M, Takahashi M (2005) Stability of dispersions of colloidal alumina particles in aqueous suspensions. J Colloid Interface Sci 291:181–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Sinnott SB, Andrews R (2001) Carbon nanotubes: synthesis, properties, and applications. Crit Rev Solid State 26:145–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Smalley RE, Hauge RH, Kittrell WC, Sivarajan R, Strano MS, Bachilo SM, Weisman RB (2006) Method for separating single-wall carbon nanotubes and compositions thereof. United States Patent: US20067074310

  57. Spitalsky Z, Tasis D, Papagelis K, Galiotis C (2010) Carbon nanotube–polymer composites: chemistry, processing, mechanical and electrical properties. Prog Polym Sci 35:357–401

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Strano MS, Moore VC, Miller MK, Allen MJ, Haroz EH, Kittrell C, Hauge RH, Smalley RE (2003) The role of surfactant adsorption during ultrasonication in the dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes. J Nanosci Nanotech 3:81–86

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Tillier DL, Meuldijk J, Koning CE (2003) Production of colloidally stable latices from low molecular weight ethylene-propylene-diene copolymers. Polymer 44:7883–7890

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Vaisman L, Wagner HD, Marom G (2006) The role of surfactants in dispersion of carbon nanotubes. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 128:37–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Viswanath P, Thachil ET (2006) Evaluation of compressive strength and chemical resistance of NBR and SBR latex-modified cements. In: Proceedings of the 5th Asian symposium on polymers in concrete. Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai

  62. Yu M, Lourie O, Dyer M, Moloni K, Kelly T, Ruoff R (2000) Strength and breaking mechanism of multiwalled carbon nanotubes under tensile load. Science 287:637–640

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Yurekli K, Mitchell CA, Krishnamoorti R (2004) Small-angle neutron scattering from surfactant-assisted aqueous dispersions of carbon nanotubes. J Am Chem Soc 126:9902–9903

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The financial support by Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Grant # HDTRA1-07-1-0036 on using carbon nanotubes for blast resistant polymer composites is greatly appreciated. Funding to the second author by Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF) for US-Egypt junior researcher program is greatly appreciated. Recent funding by NSF US-Egypt Cooperative Research program to the authors Award # 1103601 is also acknowledged.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA

    Eslam M. Soliman & Mahmoud M. Reda Taha

  2. Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt

    Usama F. Kandil

Authors
  1. Eslam M. Soliman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Usama F. Kandil
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mahmoud M. Reda Taha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mahmoud M. Reda Taha.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Soliman, E.M., Kandil, U.F. & Taha, M.M.R. The significance of carbon nanotubes on styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and SBR modified mortar. Mater Struct 45, 803–816 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-011-9799-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-011-9799-5

Keywords

  • Surfactant
  • Carbon nanotubes
  • Latex modified concrete
  • Styrene butadiene rubber
  • Functionalization