Communication Macromolecular Rapid Communications Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2011, 32, 1960−1964 © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim wileyonlinelibrary.com 1960 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201100566 1. Introduction Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) combine a unique set of struc- tural, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, which is highlighted in technological application fields as diverse as electronic devices, sensors, filtration systems, or thera- peutic materials. [1] Therefore, the association of CNTs and New polyesters incorporating a variable quantity of imidazolium rings along the backbone are synthesized by Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (“click” reaction). Subsequently, the imidazolium-grafted copolymers reveal an efficient dis- persing ability toward the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through supramolecular interactions in organic media. Interestingly, these compounds offer a simple and reliable strategy to con- trol the quantity of dispersed CNTs as a function of imida- zolium content. This approach is particularly suitable for the elaboration of biosourced and biodegradable materials based on poly(butylene succinate) with high-performance properties. Synthesis of Clicked Imidazolium-Containing Biosourced Copolymers and Application in Carbon Nanotube Dispersion Rosica Mincheva, Franck Meyer, Pierre Verge, Jean-Marie Raquez,* Leen Billiet, Filip Du Prez, Philippe Dubois* Dr. R. Mincheva, [†] Dr. F. Meyer, [†] Dr. P. Verge, Dr. J.-M. Raquez, Prof. P. Dubois Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials, Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), University of Mons (UMONS), Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium Fax: ( +) 32(0)65.37.34.84 E-mail: Philippe.Dubois@umons.ac.be; Jean-Marie.Raquez@ umons.ac.be Dr. L. Billiet, Prof. F. Du Prez Polymer Chemistry Research Group Department of Organic Chemistry Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4 bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium [†] R. M. and F.M. contributed equally to this work. a polymer matrix has attracted a great deal of attention for the formation of high-performance polymer nanocom- posites. [2] However, these nano-objects are densely packed into agglomerates (bundles) due to strong intermolecular π– π interactions, and their high aspect ratio represents a major drawback for fine dispersion ability. In order to overcome this issue, various strategies aiming at CNTs dis- entanglement have been developed over the last decade and represent a prerequisite for enhancing the proper- ties of CNT-based nanocomposites. [3] In this regard, the supramolecular approach relies on a wide array of noncov- alent bonds available in the chemist’s toolbox, that is, π– π stacking, cation– π, and charge transfer interactions. Com- pared to the covalent functionalization, the noncovalent strategy thereby arises as a more compelling pathway due to the preservation of the CNTs’ structure, its reliability, and straightforwardness. [4] Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) were found to be efficient dispersing agents for CNT. [5] ILs have been the object of intense interest due to the unique intrinsic properties such as a high ionic conductivity, low vapor pressure, and good thermal and chemical stability. These