Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the efficient and beneficial use of nanoparticulates, such as carbon nanotubes. In various embodiments, a nanoparticulate entrapped in a linear polymer, where the linear polymer is formed in the presence of the nanoparticulate, is provided. The entrapped nanoparticulate provides an efficient means to introduce nanoparticulates into compositions, such as resins and fiber-reinforced resins, allowing for increased dispersion and beneficial properties.

Abstract: Poly(aryleneethynylene) polymers for exfoliating and dispersing/solubilizing nanomaterial are provided herein. The poly(aryleneethynylene) polymers have unit monomer portions, each monomer portion having at least one electron donating substituent thereby forming an electron donor monomer portion, or at least one electron withdrawing substituent thereby forming an electron accepting monomer portion. Such polymers exfoliate and disperse nanomaterial without presonication of the nanomaterial.

Abstract: Poly(aryleneethynylene) polymers for exfoliating and dispersing/solubilizing nanomaterial are provided herein. The poly(aryleneethynylene) polymers have unit monomer portions, each monomer portion having at least one electron donating substituent thereby forming an electron donor monomer portion, or at least one electron withdrawing substituent thereby forming an electron accepting monomer portion. Such polymers exfoliate and disperse nanomaterial without presonication of the nanomaterial.

Abstract: A new, non-wrapping approach to functionalizing nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, in organic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbon nanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugated polymers that include functional groups. Various embodiments provide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion. For example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigid backbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially along the nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the major interaction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel ?-stacking. In certain implementations, the polymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any of various desired functional groups for functionalizing a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A new, non-wrapping approach to solubilize nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, in organic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbon nanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugated polymers that include functional groups for solubilizing such nanotubes. Various embodiments provide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion. For example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigid backbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially along the nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the major interaction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel ?-stacking. The polymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any of various desired functional groups that are suitable for solubilizing a carbon nanotube.