A method of the present invention for producing a carbon nanotube includes: a dispersing step of dispersing a carbon nanotube in a solvent by carrying out a dispersion treatment that brings about a cavitation effect, the carbon nanotube having an average diameter (Av) and a diameter distribution (3σ) that satisfy 0.60>3σ/Av>0.20; and a mixing step of mixing carbon nanotube slurry obtained in the dispersing step with latex.

A method of the present invention for producing a carbon nanotube includes: a dispersing step of dispersing a carbon nanotube in a solvent by carrying out a dispersion treatment that brings about a cavitation effect, the carbon nanotube having an average diameter (Av) and a diameter distribution (3σ) that satisfy 0.60>3σ/Av>0.20; and a mixing step of mixing carbon nanotube slurry obtained in the dispersing step with latex.

Shape memory polymers (SMP) based on poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) in the presence of 2-carboxyethyl acrylate oligomers (CEA), multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and cross linked by ionizing radiation were investigated. Chemical crosslinking by glutaraldehyde for PVA in the presence of CEA and MWCNTs was also studied. Radiation cross linked SMP exhibits good temperature responsive shape memory behavior as demonstrated by thermal properties of radiation investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis. Transition temperature at Tan δ of radiation cross linked SMP decreased significantly by 6 and 13° C. due to addition of MWCNTs. The developed SMP exhibited promising shape memory behavior of radiation cross linked SMP for biomedical applications between temperatures range of Tan δ. Results on the gel fraction revealed significant reduction in swelling and increase in gelation due to chemical cross linking with glutaraldehyde. The radiation cross linked SMP reached 100% gelation at an irradiation dose of 50 kGy.

Shape memory polymers (SMP) based on poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) in the presence of 2-carboxyethyl acrylate oligomers (CEA), multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and cross linked by ionizing radiation were investigated. Chemical crosslinking by glutaraldehyde for PVA in the presence of CEA and MWCNTs was also studied. Radiation cross linked SMP exhibits good temperature responsive shape memory behavior as demonstrated by thermal properties of radiation investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis. Transition temperature at Tan δ of radiation cross linked SMP decreased significantly by 6 and 13° C. due to addition of MWCNTs. The developed SMP exhibited promising shape memory behavior of radiation cross linked SMP for biomedical applications between temperatures range of Tan δ. Results on the gel fraction revealed significant reduction in swelling and increase in gelation due to chemical cross linking with glutaraldehyde. The radiation cross linked SMP reached 100% gelation at an irradiation dose of 50 kGy.

Embodiments of the invention provide an electrically conductive resin composition which enables the formation of a film that has high electrical conductivity and excellent tensile elongation, bending resistance and flexibility, and is suitable for an electrode member for a storage battery. At least one embodiment provides a resin composition including (A) 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic resin, (B) 1 to 60 parts by mass of carbon nanotubes, and (C) 1 to 60 parts by mass of acethylene black, wherein the thermoplastic resin (A) includes (A1) 30 to 80% by mass of a chlorinated polyethylene having a chlorine content of 20 to 45% by mass and (A2) 70 to 20% by mass of a polyethylene that is different from the component (A1). According to another embodiment, the thermoplastic resin (A) is (A3) a polyethylene that satisfies the following properties (p) and (q): (p) the peak top melting point on the highest temperature side in a DSC melting curve is 120° C. or higher; and (q) the ratio of melting enthalpy in a temperature range of 110° C. or lower relative to the total melting enthalpy in the DSC melting curve is 50 to 80%.

Embodiments of the invention provide an electrically conductive resin composition which enables the formation of a film that has high electrical conductivity and excellent tensile elongation, bending resistance and flexibility, and is suitable for an electrode member for a storage battery. At least one embodiment provides a resin composition including (A) 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic resin, (B) 1 to 60 parts by mass of carbon nanotubes, and (C) 1 to 60 parts by mass of acethylene black, wherein the thermoplastic resin (A) includes (A1) 30 to 80% by mass of a chlorinated polyethylene having a chlorine content of 20 to 45% by mass and (A2) 70 to 20% by mass of a polyethylene that is different from the component (A1). According to another embodiment, the thermoplastic resin (A) is (A3) a polyethylene that satisfies the following properties (p) and (q): (p) the peak top melting point on the highest temperature side in a DSC melting curve is 120° C. or higher; and (q) the ratio of melting enthalpy in a temperature range of 110° C. or lower relative to the total melting enthalpy in the DSC melting curve is 50 to 80%.

A swellable composition comprises: a matrix material; and a condensed expandable graphite material disposed in the matrix material. A seal arrangement comprises: a swellable member and a sealing member disposed on a surface of the swellable member; wherein the swellable member comprises a condensed expandable graphite material. The condensed expandable graphite material in the swellable composition and the swellable member has a bulk density of about 1 to about 8 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises expandable graphite.

A swellable composition comprises: a matrix material; and a condensed expandable graphite material disposed in the matrix material. A seal arrangement comprises: a swellable member and a sealing member disposed on a surface of the swellable member; wherein the swellable member comprises a condensed expandable graphite material. The condensed expandable graphite material in the swellable composition and the swellable member has a bulk density of about 1 to about 8 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises expandable graphite.

A swellable composition comprises: a matrix material; and a condensed expandable graphite material disposed in the matrix material. A seal arrangement comprises: a swellable member and a sealing member disposed on a surface of the swellable member; wherein the swellable member comprises a condensed expandable graphite material. The condensed expandable graphite material in the swellable composition and the swellable member has a bulk density of about 1 to about 8 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises expandable graphite.

A solution based polymer nanofiller composite processing method to improve mechanical, electrical, thermal and/or chemical properties. The solution based synthesis method may include the steps of surface functionalizing carbon nanomaterials and dissolving a polymer in a solvent. The functionalized carbon nanomaterials and dissolved polymer may be mixed until the mixture is homogenous. The mixture may be cured to form the polymer carbon nano-composite material, which provides significant improvements in modulus, hardness, strength, fracture toughness, wear, fatigue, creep, and damping performance.