A nanotube colorant for synthetic fibers with much improved properties

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes have for the first time been demonstrated as a novel and effective colorant for synthetic fibers such as poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide). Compared with the conventional carbon black, the nanotube colorant was found to be more uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix with a better coloration effect and higher coloration stability. The nanotube colorant also enabled much improved electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties compared with the pure polymer and carbon black-colorized polymer fibers.