The synthesis of free-standing films of polymer/nanocarbon composites using the carbon nanopowder's buoyancy

In this work we report the synthesis of free-standing films of polymer/nanocarbon composites. The method consists in forming a thin film of carbon nanoparticles onto the water's surface. Through the free infiltration of the polymer between the nanoparticles which form the film, after the polymer is cured, we obtain free-standing films of polymer/nanocarbon composites. The composite films are homogeneous; they have 5 wt.% carbon nanoparticles within the polymer matrix and are a few micrometers in thickness.