Preparation of Homogeneously Dispersed Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Polystyrene Nanocomposites via Melt Extrusion Using Trialkyl Imidazolium Compatibilizer

Abstract Well‐dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT)/polystyrene nanocomposites have been prepared via melt extrusion, using trialkylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate‐compatibilized MWNTs. Quantification of the improvement is realized via transmission electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy image analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier‐transform infrared and X‐ray diffraction analysis show evidence for a π‐cation, nanotube–imidazolium interaction and the conversion from an interdigitated bilayer, for the imidazolium salt, to an ordered lamellar structure, for the imidazolium on the surface of the MWNTs.