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Aramid–multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites: effect of compatibilization through oligomer wrapping of the nanotubes
Author(s) -
Ahmad Zahoor,
AlSagheer Fakhreia,
Shiju Jessy
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.5176
Subject(s) - materials science , aramid , carbon nanotube , nanocomposite , dynamic mechanical analysis , composite material , glass transition , surface modification , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , nanotube , raman spectroscopy , chemical engineering , polymer , fiber , physics , optics , engineering
Aramid–multiwalled carbon nanotube ( MWCNT ) nanocomposites with different CNT loadings were prepared by the solution‐blending technique. Aramid oligomeric chains having reactive amine end‐groups were covalently grafted and wrapped over the surface of acid‐functionalized MWCNTs . The presence of functional groups and surface modification of MWCNTs were studied using Raman, Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic and transmission/scanning electron microscopic techniques. Addition of these MWCNTs resulted in a homogeneous dispersion throughout the aramid matrix. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed an increase in the storage modulus and the glass transition temperature involved with α ‐relaxations on CNT loading. The coefficient of thermal expansion ( CTE ) of aramid was reduced on loading with such CNTs . Strong interfacial interactions of the matrix with the surface‐modified CNTs reduced the stress‐transfer problem in the composite material and resulted in higher modulus of 4.26 GPa and a glass transition temperature of 338.5 °C, whereas the CTE was reduced to 101.8 ppm °C −1 on addition of only 2.5 wt% CNTs in the aramid matrix. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry