Abstract: The invention provides a production process for a self-dispersible pigment, having a step of bonding a group R1 in the following general formula (1) to a particle surface of a pigment by radical addition reaction induced by removal of a hydrogen atom from a compound represented by the general formula (1): HN?N—R1 ??(1) wherein R1 is a group having at least one of an aliphatic group and an aromatic group and being substituted with at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group and a phosphoric acid group.

Abstract: A sulfur-crosslinkable rubber mixture, particularly for treads of pneumatic tires, comprises at least two diene rubbers and from 0.1 to 20 phr of at least one aliphatically modified C9 hydrocarbon resin and from 0.1 to 7 phr of at least one other processing ingredient. The rubber mixture has improved abrasion resistance and improved properties during braking under wet conditions for identical rolling resistance, identical chip & chunk resistance and an identical level of other tire properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a graphene polymer composite material, including a matrix resin, a filler and a plurality of nano-scaled graphene sheets. Each nano-scaled graphene sheet has a surface-modified layer formed of a surface modifying agent, which provides hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups used to form chemical bonds with the matrix resin and the filler, thereby greatly improving strength of junction cohesion. The filler helps the graphene sheets to contact each other so as so to increase overall electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity. Since the graphene sheets are uniformly dispersed in the matrix resin, the composite material of the present invention possesses excellent mechanical property, anti-oxidation, acid-base resistance, high electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity. Therefore, the composite material is suitable for the industries in need of high performance material.

Abstract: A solvent borne brushable coating composition and process for using the same are provided. The composition includes a crosslinkable component having one or more polymers having two or more crosslinkable groups a crosslinking component comprising one or more crosslinking agents having crosslinking groups; and 2 weight percent to 50 weight percent of drying oil comprising linseed oil, tung oil, poppy seed oil, perilla oil, walnut oil or a combination thereof. When a layer a pot mix resulting from mixing of the crosslinkable and crosslinking components is brush applied over a substrate, it has a low brush drag while providing desired coating properties, such as high gloss and rapid cure even under ambient conditions. The solvent borne brushable coating compositions is well suited for use in automotive refinish applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparation of a rubber composition containing silica and carbon black reinforcement, the resultant rubber composition and tire with component comprised of such rubber composition.

Abstract: A composite for use in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused fiber material disposed in at least a portion of a matrix material. The composite is capable of absorbing or reflecting EM radiation, or combinations thereof in a frequency range from between about 0.01 MHz to about 18 GHz. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE), is in a range from between about 40 decibels (dB) to about 130 dB. A method of manufacturing the composite includes disposing a CNT-infused fiber material in a portion of a matrix material with a controlled orientation of the CNT-infused fiber material within the matrix material, and curing the matrix material. A panel includes the composite and is adaptable to interface with a device for use in EMI shielding applications. The panel is further equipped with an electrical ground.

Abstract: A rubber composition gives rise to a rubber vibration insulator superior not only in heat resistance and low-temperature performance but also in fundamental properties and damping properties. The rubber composition for rubber vibration insulator comprising: a rubber component comprising high-cis-high-vinyl butadiene rubber containing 85 to 93% of cis-1,4 ,bonds and 5 to 13% of vinyl bonds, sulfur, and a bismaleimide compound, wherein the sulfur is included in an amount of up to 1 part by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the rubber component.

Abstract: A composite material includes: carbon fibers having an average fiber length of more than about 10 mm and about 100 mm or less; and a thermoplastic resin. The carbon fibers are substantially two-dimensionally-randomly oriented. The composite material includes a carbon fiber bundle (A) in a ratio of about 30 volume % or more and less than about 90 volume % to a total volume of the carbon fibers, the carbon fiber bundle (A) including the carbon fibers of a critical single fiber number defined by formula (1) or more. An average number (N) of the carbon fibers in the carbon fiber bundle (A) satisfies formula (2). Critical single fiber number=600/D??(1) 6×104/D2<N<2×105/D2??(2) D is an average fiber diameter (?m) of the carbon fibers.

Abstract: A method for producing a resin composition using an extruder, the extruder having a cylinder and a screw disposed inside the cylinder, the cylinder being provided with a main feed port and further optionally provided with a side feed port disposed downstream in an extrusion direction from the main feed port, and the method comprising: supplying a resin (A) in the total amount to the extruder from the main feed port; supplying a fibrous filler (B), whose a weight average fiber length is 1 mm or more, in the total amount to the extruder from the main feed port, or, with the extruder being provided with the side feed port, supplying the fibrous filler (B) partly to the extruder from the main feed port and the remainder to the extruder from the side feed port; melt-kneading the supplied resin (A) and the fibrous filler (B); and extruding the melt-kneaded material.

Abstract: Coating compositions containing an aqueous polymer dispersion having improved resistance toward chemicals. The aqueous polymer dispersion is prepared by polymerizing a first composition containing at least one ethylenically unsaturated group (monomers) by radical aqueous emulsion polymerization and then, in the presence of a product mixture from the previous polymerization, polymerizing a second composition containing at least one ethylenically unsaturated group (monomers) by radical aqueous emulsion polymerization. The coating compositions are such that the difference between a glass transition temperature of a polymer prepared from the first polymerization and a glass transition temperature of a polymer prepared from the second polymerization is at least 50° C.

Abstract: Provided are a vulcanizate of a chloroprene rubber composition containing carbon black that generates a smaller amount of heat when used and a method for producing the same by a simpler and more convenient method. First, an unvulcanized rubber composition at least containing a chloroprene polymer and carbon black is vulcanization-molded, to give a semivulcanized molded article having a cure characteristic value, as determined by the method specified in JIS K6300-2: 2001, in the range of t10 to t80. Then, the semivulcanized molded article obtained by semivulcanized film-forming step is additionally vulcanized in the state as it is deformed entirely and the deformation is removed, to give vulcanizate in a desired shape.

Abstract: A method of producing a coagulated latex composite. A coagulating mixture of a first elastomer latex and a particulate filler slurry is flowed along a conduit, and a second elastomer latex is introduced into the flow of the coagulating mixture.

Abstract: Methods of forming metal nanoparticle decorated carbon nanotubes are provided. The methods include mixing a metal precursor with a plurality of carbon nanotubes to form a metal precursor-carbon nanotubes mixture. The methods also include exposing the metal precursor-carbon nanotubes mixture to electromagnetic radiation to deposit metal nanoparticles on a major surface of the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a resin composition in which the fiber length of the fibrous filler contained in the resin composition is controlled. The method includes a step of feeding a resin (A) and a fibrous filler (B) to an extruder, melt-kneading and then extruding them. The extruder includes a cylinder, a screw mounted in the cylinder, a main feed port provided in the cylinder, and a side feed port provided rearwards from the main feed port in the extrusion direction. Part of the resin (A) and part of a fibrous filler (B) having a weight-average fiber length of not less than 1 mm are fed through the main feed port and the rest of the resin (A) and the rest of the fibrous filler (B) having a weight-average fiber length of not less than 1 mm are fed through the side feed port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber composition comprising a styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBR), a polybutadiene (BR), an unsaturated thermoplastic styrene (TPS) copolymer and a reinforcing filler. The invention also relates to the use of such a composition for the manufacture of a tire tread that has improved properties in terms of wear resistance, while retaining a very good level of grip on wet ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of solubilizing graphite and applications thereof, including the manufacture of composites and the purification of graphene. The method of the invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps carried out under inert atmosphere: a) reduction of graphite by an alkali metal to lead to a graphite intercalation compound; and b) exposure of the graphite intercalation compound to a polar aprotic solvent to lead to a reduced graphene solution. The present invention relates more particularly to graphene solutions and graphene planes obtained through said method, as well as uses of such graphene solutions and planes.

Abstract: Process for producing a polymer-graphite nanocomposite, which comprises the steps a) oxidation of graphite to graphite oxide, b) conversion of the graphite oxide into an aqueous dispersion, c) mixing of the aqueous dispersion comprising graphite oxide or, if appropriate, reduced graphite oxide which is obtained from b) with an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising at least one polymer and d) separating off the polymer-graphite mixture from the aqueous phase, wherein the graphite oxide which has been oxidized in step a) is reduced to graphite between step b) and c) or between step c) and d).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to thermoplastic electrostatic dissipative (ESD) composites. The disclosed composites comprise a thermoplastic resin phase and a plurality of intermediate modulus carbon fibers dispersed within the thermoplastic resin phase. Also disclosed herein are methods for the manufacture and/or use of the disclosed ESD composites as well as articles formed from such composites.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon nano-tube dispersant comprising a highly branched polymer having a repeating unit represented by, for example, formula (12) or (13), wherein the highly branched polymer is produced by the polycondensation of a triarylamine compound and an aldehyde compound and/or a ketone compound in the presence of an acid catalyst. The carbon nano-tube dispersant enables the dispersion of CNTs in a medium such as an organic solvent until the CNTs are so decomposed as to have an individual size. (In the formula, Z1 and Z2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group, a thienyl group, or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon nanotube powder, including a carbon nanotube averagely mixed with a dispersant, wherein the carbon nanotube and the dispersant have a weight ratio of 30:70 to 90:10. The carbon nanotube has a diameter of 10 nm to 100 nm, and a length/diameter ratio of 100:1 to 5000:1. The dispersant is an alternative copolymer, a block copolymer, or a random copolymer polymerized of a solvation segment (A) and a carbon affinity group (B). The carbon nanotube powder can be blended with a thermoplastic material to form a composite, wherein the carbon nanotube and the composite have a weight ratio of 0.5:100 to 50:100.

Abstract: A method for forming a film of graphite oxide single layers. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of preparing a solution of graphite oxide to allow a plurality of graphite oxide single layers to be formed and dispersed in the solution; and applying the solution of graphite oxide onto an air-water interface of water to form a film at the air-water interface, wherein the film comprises a plurality of graphite oxide single layers and is characterized by a packing density, wherein the film of graphite oxide single layers is formed with no presence of a surfactant or stabilizing agent.

Abstract: A rubber composition for use in tire side walls contains from 30 to 40 parts by mass of carbon black having a nitrogen specific surface area of from 20 to 35 m2/g and a DBP oil absorption of from 50 to 95 cm3/100 g per 100 parts by mass of a rubber component constituted by from 30 to 70 mass % of a butadiene rubber having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 97%, a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4) at 100° C. of at least 45, and a ratio (T?cp)/(ML1+4) of the viscosity [cps] of a 5 mass % toluene solution at 25° C. (T?cp) to the Mooney viscosity of at least 2.0, and from 30 to 70 mass % of another diene-based rubber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a functionalized diene elastomer composed a) of a specific block copolymer functionalized, at the chain end or in the middle of the chain, by a tin functional group, b) of a specific block copolymer star-branched by tin and c) of a content of less than 15% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the functionalized diene elastomer, of a specific non-tin-functional block copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite organics and optoelectronic devices, including photovoltaic devices, comprising the same. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic cell comprising a radiation transmissive first electrode, a photosensitive layer electrically connected to the first electrode, the photosensitive layer comprising a plurality of composite organic layers, wherein each of the plurality of composite organic layers comprises a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, the nanoparticle phase comprising at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain.

Abstract: A cover for a shaft of an electronic thermometer probe. The cover includes a tubular body having an open end and a closed end opposite the open end. The body defines a cavity sized and shaped to slidably receive the shaft of the electronic thermometer probe. At least a portion of the tubular body is formed from a nanotube composite material including a polymer matrix material and a carbon nanotube filler material.

Abstract: An edge seal for manufacturing two-pane or multi-pane insulating glass or solar modules having a primary sealant and a secondary sealant has the following overall composition: a) 30-60 wt. %, preferably 40-50 wt. %, olefinic polymers, Mn 400-600,000 D, preferably 5,000-300,000 D b) 2-35 wt. %, preferably 5-25 wt. %, modified polymer c) 5-40 wt. %, preferably 10-30 wt. %, fine-particle, inert fillers d) 5-25 wt. %, preferably 10-15 wt. %, desiccants and water scavengers 0-3 wt. % aging resistors, in particular anti-oxidants or UV stabilizers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fiberweb, a preparation method thereof, and a filter including the fiberweb. The fiberweb includes a wholly aromatic liquid crystal polyester resin which includes a repeating unit induced from a hydroxybenzoic acid and a repeating unit induced from a hydroxynaphthoic acid, but does not include a repeating unit induced from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of a carbon based filler with a hydrolysable silane to modify the surface of the filler. It also relates to a carbon based filler modified by treatment with a hydrolysable silane, and to polymer compositions containing such a modified carbon based filler.

Abstract: A rubber blend, particularly for pneumatic vehicle tires, harnesses, straps and hoses. The rubber blend includes at least one rubber blend A of a solid styrene-butadiene rubber with an average molecular weight Mn of 100,000 to 5,000,000 g/mol and a liquid butadiene rubber with an average molecular weight Mn of 500 to 9000 g/mol, wherein the styrene-butadiene rubber is solution-polymerized or emulsion-polymerized, as well as 30 to 300 phr of at least one silicic acid and further blend components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber composition capable of improving the rubber strength and fuel economy in a balanced manner, and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition including a rubber component, carbon black, and a compound represented by formula (I) below, wherein the amount of the carbon black is 10 to 100 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component: wherein R1 and R2 are the same as or different from each other, and each represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C20 alkyl group, a C1-C20 alkenyl group, or a C1-C20 alkynyl group; Mr+ represents a metal ion; and r represents a valence of the metal ion.

Abstract: Conventional toughening agents are typically rubbery materials or small molecular weight molecules, which mostly sacrifice the intrinsic properties of a matrix such as modulus, strength, and thermal stability as side effects. On the other hand, high modulus inclusions tend to reinforce elastic modulus very efficiently, but not the strength very well. For example, mechanical reinforcement with inorganic inclusions often degrades the composite toughness, encountering a frequent catastrophic brittle failure triggered by minute chips and cracks. Thus, toughening generally conflicts with mechanical reinforcement. Carbon nanotubes have been used as efficient reinforcing agents in various applications due to their combination of extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.

Abstract: A polymeric composition that includes at least one polymer and an effective amount of a nanoparticulate component. The nanoparticulate component is at least one of inorganic functional nanoparticulate compounds and graphene in which the nanoparticulate component is associated with the polymer. The polymer disclosed herein can have electromagnetic activity. The resulting polymeric composition exhibit a measurable electrical conductivity (?) range of 10?14 to 4.7*106 (S/m) at 20° C. A polymeric precursor that includes at least one component selected from the group that includes isocyanates, polyisocyanates, MDI-terminated prepolymers and an effective amount of a nanoparticulate component. The nanoparticulate component is at least one of inorganic functional nanoparticulate component being at least one of inorganic functional nanoparticulate compounds and graphene that is associated with the prepolymer.

Abstract: There are provided an exfoliated graphite oxide derivative excellent in dispersibility in a thermoplastic resin, a resin composite material of the exfoliated graphite oxide derivative and a thermoplastic resin, and a process for producing the resin composite material. The exfoliated graphite oxide derivative is obtained by reacting an exfoliated graphite oxide having a C/O ratio as determined by elemental analysis of 8 or less with a compound having a specific structure.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire which is improved in a rolling resistance and a ride comfort in normal running without damaging a run flat durability. It is a pneumatic tire provided with a bead core, a carcass layer, a tread rubber layer, an inner liner, a side reinforcing layer and a bead filler, characterized by using a rubber composition (a) which contains (A) a rubber component and (B) a filler and which has a dynamic storage modulus (E?) of 10 MPa or less at a dynamic strain of 1% and 25° C. and a ? value of 5.0 or less in a loss tangent tan ? at 28 to 150° C. in the physical properties of the vulcanized rubber.

Abstract: A highly loaded concentrate pellet composition includes an active ingredient in a concentration of at least about 60% by weight, and a low molecular weight binder in a concentration of up to about 35% by weight. The active ingredient is evenly dispersed in the binder. The binder has a melting point that permits the composition to melt under shear in an extruder. The binder is non-metallocene and non-stearic.

Abstract: Generally, compositions and methods of producing dimensionally stable three dimensional objects using an additive build up process. Specifically, materials combinable in an additive build up process using a materials printer for the production of stable three dimensional molds useful in the production of molded or formed parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing thermoplastic molding compounds, comprising: A) 40 to 99 wt % of at least one thermoplastic polymer, B) 1 to 60 wt % of a flame-proofing agent component containing an expandable graphite, and C) 0 to 60 wt % of further additives, by melt-mixing components A), B) and C) in a screw-type extruder, wherein the screw-type extruder, along the feed direction, comprises, in the following order, at least one dosing zone, a plastifying zone, a homogenizing zone, a second dosing zone, and a discharge zone, in that the dosing takes place into the screw-type extruder having the length L, wherein the length L is defined as the section starting with the first dosing unit for adding components A, B and/or C and ending, in the feed direction, at the discharge opening, a melt is generated after adding components A, B and C in the range of 0 liter to 0.

Abstract: A rubber wet masterbatch obtained, using at least a carbon black, a dispersing solvent, and a latex solution of a rubber as raw materials, the carbon black being a carbon black having an iodine adsorption number of 41 mg/g or less, and the rubber wet masterbatch being obtained through the following process: a process in which at the time of dispersing the carbon black into the dispersing solvent, at least one portion of the rubber latex solution is added to the carbon-black-dispersed solvent to produce a slurry solution comprising the carbon black to which rubber latex particles adhere, subsequently the slurry solution is mixed with the rest of the rubber latex solution, and next the mixture is solidified and dried.

Abstract: A speaker diaphragm contains a material obtained by adding a cycloolefin polymer resin to a carbon fiber-reinforced liquid crystal polymer. The speaker diaphragm having high sound velocity, a speaker, and a production method of the speaker diaphragm can thereby be obtained.

Abstract: A polymer composition which includes carbon nanotubes in a resin matrix such as cyclic butylene terephthalate where the resin matrix is compounded into a polymer matrix. The carbon nanotube resin matrix is compatible in a wide variety of polymer matrixes having many end uses. The resin matrix provides good compatibility with many polymer systems, e.g., polyamides, polyesters, acrylics and is easy to use exhibiting a low melting point and low viscosity in melt and provides for a polymer matrix having good properties, including a higher electrical conductivity and/or increased mechanical properties.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a colored liquid with superior separability from polar solvents for use with an electrowetting or electrofluidic device that uses a coloring agent added as a colorant to a nonpolar solvent. A colored liquid according to the present invention contains a nonpolar solvent and a colorant, and the colorant is a modified pigment containing a pigment (A) and a polymer (P) formed on a surface thereof by polymerizing a polymer (B) soluble in a nonaqueous solvent and at least one polymerizable unsaturated monomer (C) that is soluble in the nonaqueous solvent and that becomes insoluble or poorly soluble in the nonaqueous solvent after polymerization. A multi-phase liquid colored composition according to the present invention contains the colored liquid and a polar solvent immiscible with the colored liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a production method of a natural rubber master batch including a step of mixing a natural rubber latex and an aqueous slurry having carbon black dispersed in water, wherein a mixing amount of the carbon black is from 10 to 100 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of a natural rubber component; and the carbon black is satisfied with the relationships expressed by (1) 120<CTAB adsorption specific surface area<160, (2) 50<24M4DBP<100, and (3) 75<toluene discoloration transmittance<95. Also, the present invention is to provide a natural rubber master batch obtained by the subject production method. Furthermore, the present invention is to provide a rubber composition using the foregoing natural rubber master batch and a tire using the subject rubber composition.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a tire tread includes a modified diene rubber comprising a styrene butadiene rubber and/or a polybutadiene rubber, having a functional group such as an amino group or a hydroxyl group, silica, a silane coupling agent, a lignin derivative, and a carbon masterbatch. The carbon masterbatch comprises a styrene butadiene rubber, and carbon black having iodine adsorption of from 60 to 130 g/kg, and a ratio of the amount (B) of a rubber in the carbon masterbatch to the amount (A) of the modified diene rubber is B/A=0.25 to 1. The total amount of the carbon black and the silica is from 40 to 100 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of a rubber component, the proportion of the silica in fillers is from 25 to 80% by mass, and the amount of the lignin derivative is from 0.1 to 10 parts by mass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluororubber composition that has excellent heat resistance and excellent mechanical properties at high temperatures. The fluororubber composition comprises 100 parts by mass of a peroxide cross-linkable fluororubber (A); 5 to 50 parts by mass of a carbon black (B); 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of a peroxide cross-linking agent (C); and 10 parts by mass or smaller of a bisolefin (D).

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a process for preparing a precomposite based on nanotubes, comprising bringing said nanotubes into contact with at least one given plasticizing agent. It also relates to a precomposite thus obtained, and to its use for conferring at least one electrical, mechanical and/or thermal property on a polymer material. It also relates to the use of a given plasticizer for improving the dispersion and/or mechanical properties and/or electrical conductivity and/or thermal conductivity of nanotubes in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: Controlled geometry pellets, which have at least one generally flat face having a cross-sectional shape with a rectangular envelope having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5, are provided. The controlled geometry pellets may include a plurality of reinforcing particulates dispersed throughout the thermoplastic resin. The reinforcing particulates typically have a largest dimension which is no more than about 90% of the largest pellet dimension. Compression molding methods of manufacturing a shaped article using the pellets are also provided. The methods include compression molding thermoplastic resin-based material to provide a molded article, where thermoplastic resin-based material comprises a plurality of the controlled geometry pellets.

Abstract: A polymeric composite comprises a polymeric resin; an electrically conductive filler; and a polycyclic aromatic compound, in an amount effect to increase the electrical conductivity of the polymeric composition relative to the same composition without the polycyclic aromatic compound. The addition of the polycyclic aromatic compound in addition to a conductive filler imparts improved electrical and mechanical properties to the compositions.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon fiber composite resin material including (a) a first mixing step, (b) a second mixing step, and (c) a step of curing a second mixture. In the first mixing step (a), an epoxy resin is mixed with an epoxidized elastomer to obtain a first mixture. In the second mixing step (b), vapor-grown carbon fibers having an average diameter of 20 to 200 nm and an average length of 5 to 20 micrometers are mixed with the first mixture to obtain a second mixture in which the vapor-grown carbon fibers are dispersed. In the step (c) of curing the second mixture, the second mixture is cured to obtain a highly rigid carbon fiber composite resin material.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving rolling resistance and durability, the present invention provides a rubber composition for insulation of a tire comprising 0.2 to 4 parts by mass of (B) an alkylphenol-sulfur chloride condensate, and 20 to 59 parts by mass of (C) carbon black having a BET specific surface area of 25 to 50 m2/g based on 100 parts by mass of (A) a rubber component comprising 30 to 85% by mass of (a1) a natural rubber and/or an isoprene rubber, 0 to 70% by mass of (a2) at least one styrene butadiene rubber selected from the group consisting of an emulsion-polymerized styrene butadiene rubber, a solution-polymerized styrene butadiene rubber and a modified styrene butadiene rubber, and 0 to 60% by mass of (a3) a butadiene rubber, and a tire having insulation prepared from the rubber composition.

Abstract: A polymer composite composed of a polymerized mixture of functionalized carbon nanotubes and monomer which chemically reacts with the functionalized nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are functionalized by reacting with oxidizing or other chemical media through chemical reactions or physical adsorption. The reacted surface carbons of the nanotubes are further functionalized with chemical moieties that react with the surface carbons and selected monomers. The functionalized nanotubes are first dispersed in an appropriate medium such as water, alcohol or a liquefied monomer and then the mixture is polymerized. The polymerization results in polymer chains of increasing weight bound to the surface carbons of the nanotubes. The composite may consists of some polymer chains imbedded in the composite without attachment to the nanotubes.