Ultrathin polymer films have been deposited on both multi-wall and aligned carbon nanotubes using a plasma polymerization treatment. TEM experimental results showed that a thin film of polystyrene layer (several nanometers) was uniformly deposited on the surfaces of the nanotubes including inner wall surfaces of the multi-wall nanotubes. The coated multi-wall nanotubes were mixed in polymer solutions for studying the effects of plasma coating on dispersion. It was found that the dispersion of multi-wall carbon nanotubes in polystyrene composite was significantly improved. The deposition mechanisms and the effects of plasma treatment parameters are discussed.
