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improbable without disturbing their alignment. In Figure 3.2, it is easy to see that
these pre-deposited catalyst CNTs buckled quite significantly during the infiltration
as observed by the wavy structure of the fractured surface.
Figure 3.2 - SEM image of poor alignment in pre-deposited catalyst composite.
3.2.2. Results from Vapor-Phase A-CNT Infiltration
The vapor-phase-grown A-CNTs were much more successful during the
infiltration of PDMS. Due to their much larger diameter and slightly higher
entanglement, it was easier to infiltrate these A-CNTs without disturbing the
existing organization of the CNTs. In Figure 3.3 it can be seen that not only is there
good interface between the CNTs and the polymer, but that in these composites, the
CNTs have retained their alignment. The successful infiltration of these CNTs