SDS-Functionalization and its effects on dispersion of carbon nanotubes in hydroxyapatite matrix

In the present study, stable homogeneous dispersions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been prepared using dispersant (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate -SDS) as dispersing agent. By applying sol-gel method, dispersion in the hydroxyapatite matrix and its effects on the microstructure were brieflyinvestigated. The chemical and phase composition, structure and morphological and size analyses were performed using XRD, SEM, TEM/SAED/EDX. The influences of different dispersing agents (SDS) as a benchmark for future dispersion experiments and excitation wavelength arediscussed and the results are compared to the commonly used UV-Visible spectroscopic analysis. The results indicated that synthesis of hydroxyapatite particles in the presence of the CNTs had thebest result in homogenization of the carbon nanotube dispersion and The average crystallite size of heat-treated (at 600°C) samples, estimated by Scherrer,s equation was found to be ~50-60 nm that confirmed by TEM.

Keywords:

CNT , sol-gel , FT-IR , SEM , TEM , UV-Visible spectroscopy