Abstract
Fundamental dispersion study of vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCFs), which, as received, had an aggregated lump form, was performed using a series of ionic liquid, which is N-metyl-N'-alkyllimidazoliumtetrafluoroborate having different alkyl (CnH2n+1) chain length (n=2, 4, 6, 8). In situ optical microscope observation was carried out for the dispersion of a trace amount of VGCF in each ionic liquid, prepared by ultrasonic treatment and magnetic stirring. The degree of VGCF dispersion was improved when the alkyl chain length of ionic liquid became longer. The initial aggregated lump of VGCF still remained in the ionic liquid having the shortest alkyl chain (n=2), but completely disappeared in the ionic liquid having the longest alkyl chain (n=8).
