Welding of Carbon Nanotubes to solid Surfaces using Microwave-Plasma

Abstract

The work here has demonstrated the use a simple microwave plasma process for welding carbon nanotubes onto solid surfaces such as plastics and glasses, it was found that due to the lower softening point and viscosity of polystyrene (compared to glass samples), welding of carbon nanotubes on polystyrene surface can be achieved with higher efficiency, whilst the high softening point (and melt viscosity) of lime-soda and borosilicate glasses prevents the nanotubes from forming a continuous layer. Analysis of the quality of nanotubes by Raman spectroscopy confirmed that some defects are introduced to the CNT graphitic structure. However, these defects are not significant and can actually be useful for some application.