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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > August  >
In the Laboratory
Preparation of Electrically Conductive Polystyrene/Carbon Nanofiber Nanocomposite Films
Luyi Sun, Jonathan Y. O'Reilly, Chi-Wei Tien, and Hung-Jue Sue
Polymer Technology Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3123
Cover
August 2008
Vol. 85 No. 8
p. 1105

Abstract
A simple and effective approach to prepare conductive polystyrene/carbon nanofiber (PS/CNF) nanocomposite films via a solution dispersion method is presented. Inexpensive CNF, which has a structure similar to multi-walled carbon nanotubes, is chosen as a nanofiller in this experiment to achieve conductivity in PS films. A good dispersion is achieved in the PS matrix with ultrasonication. The experiment to prepare PS/CNF system is suitable as a laboratory experiment for college chemistry or material science course. The experiment provides students with a hands-on laboratory experience in nanotechnology and its related fundamental concept.
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Citation
Sun, Luyi; O'Reilly, Jonathan Y.; Tien, Chi-Wei; Sue, Hung-Jue. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1105.
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Keywords
Analytical Chemistry; Conductivity; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Inorganic Chemistry; Laboratory Instruction; Materials Science; Nanotechnology; Polymer Chemistry; Reactions; Spectroscopy; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
6/23/2008
7/2/2008
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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