Premium
Well‐dispersed poly(ether‐ether‐ketone)/ multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites prepared via a simple solution mixing approach
Author(s) -
Jiang Zhiyuan,
Chen Qihui,
Zhu Zewen,
Tsai ChiaYing,
Zhao Mingzhen,
Sue HungJue,
Chang Andy,
Bremner Tim,
DiSano Lorenzo P
Publication year - 2021
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.6227
Subject(s) - peek , materials science , nanocomposite , carbon nanotube , ether , glass transition , polymer , thermal stability , dispersion (optics) , chemical engineering , composite material , mixing (physics) , crystallization , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , chemistry , optics , quantum mechanics , engineering , physics
Incorporation of reinforcing nanoparticles, like multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), in a polymer matrix is an effective way to enhance mechanical properties and expand structural applications of engineering polymers such as poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK). Good dispersion of MWCNTs is critical for achieving optimal properties. In this work, a simple solution mixing approach was utilized to prepare PEEK nanocomposites reinforced with MWCNTs. By direct mixing of PEEK/dichloroacetic acid solution and MWCNT/ N ‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone solution, PEEK nanocomposites with individually dispersed MWCNTs were prepared. A PEEK wrapping of MWCNT mechanism is proposed to explain why this simple solution mixing approach resulted in such a good dispersion. Thermal stability of PEEK is not affected but crystallization is impeded due to the confinement effect of well‐dispersed MWCNTs. Young's modulus is increased by ca 20% while coefficient of thermal expansion above the glass transition temperature is decreased by ca 30% with only 1.5 wt% MWCNT loading in PEEK, which is critical for a variety of high‐temperature applications. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.