High-performance polymeric nanocomposites from phthalonitrile resin and silane surface–modified Ti₃AlC₂ MAX phase

Abstract

In this work, Ti3AlC2 M n+ 1AX n (MAX) phase ceramic nanoparticles were prepared and used as new kind of reinforcement for a typical high-performance phthalonitrile (PN) resin. The synergistic combination of both phases led to nanocomposites with improved thermal and mechanical properties. For instance, the thermal conductivity and tensile properties of the neat resin were highly enhanced upon adding more nanofiller contents. Moreover, the PN resin toughness was ameliorated by 129% at the maximum nanoparticles loading of 15 vol%. The experimental investigations were also compared with predictions from series, Halpin–Tsai, and Kerner models, and a full discussion was provided. A high-resolution transmission electron microscope confirmed the ability of the MAX phase to create a conductive network, especially at high nanofiller amounts. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses of the tensile fractured surfaces revealed positive changes in the morphology, such as an increase in the roughness and amount of hackling as well as the formation of multiple microcracks. The MAX phase also enhanced the thermal stability, stiffness, and glass transition temperature of the neat resin. This work confirms the superiority of the MAX phase ceramics over the traditional ones in enhancing the properties of the PN resin and opens the way for further research in the field.

Investigation on curing reaction of phthalonitrile resin with nanosilica and the properties of their glass fiber‐reinforced composites

“…As the explanation above, when composite laminates with SiO 2 under pressure, amounts of microcraks generated around SiO 2 particles rather than the macrocracks formed in the matrix, and the propagation of long fracture lines could be retarded by SiO 2. 35 In sum, the improved mechanical properties of BA‐ph/CE/SiO 2 /GF composites can be contributed to the improved interfacial adhesion and stress dispersion 36 …”

“…As the explanation above, when composite laminates with SiO 2 under pressure, amounts of microcraks generated around SiO 2 particles rather than the macrocracks formed in the matrix, and the propagation of long fracture lines could be retarded by SiO 2. 35 In sum, the improved mechanical properties of BA-ph/CE/SiO 2 /GF composites can be contributed to the improved interfacial adhesion and stress dispersion. 36 F I G U R E 3 Scanning electron microscope images of the composite laminates with various contents of SiO 2 : (a) 0 wt%, (b) 5 wt%, (c) magnified image of (b), (d) 10 wt%, (e) 20 wt% and (f) magnified image of (e) [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]…”

“…As temperature increased, all the composite laminates maintained stable storage modulus before 220 C and gradually decreased between 220 and 315 C. Then, a platform was observed at above 315 C and BA-ph/CE/GF composites exhibited the lowest storage modulus. Results indicated that BA-ph/CE matrix exhibited excellent thermomechanical properties and could maintain good mechanical properties under higher temperature after being cured at 200-210 C for 4 h. 20,31,35 Glass transition temperature (T g ) can be defined as the temperature at the maximum peak of tan δ plots. As shown in Figure 4(b), a single loss peak of composites appeared as well as the T g for each composite laminates was 314.3, 314.1, 306.6, and 308.2 C, respectively.…”

On the preparation and properties investigations of highly performant MXene (Ti3C2(OH)2) nanosheets-reinforced phthalonitrile nanocomposites

“…6,7 PN resins stand on the leading edges of the highly performant polymers owing to an appropriate combination of extremely valuable features, such as excellent thermal stability, good mechanical properties, low water uptake, and superior flame resistance, to name a few. 7 In our previous works, we reported on the synergistic combination between the PN resins and the MAX phases, namely the Ti 3 AlC 2 8 and Ti 3 SiC 2 , 9 leading to highly performant polymer nanocomposites and herein, we are extending the study to the effect of a newly developed MXene (Ti 3 C 2 (OH) 2 ) nanosheets on the thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of the bisphenol A-based PN resin.…”

Preparation and characterization of a new high-performance polymer composite and its application as a lead-free polymer-based projectile

“…The PN resins stand on the leading edges of the highly performant polymers owing to their outstanding combination of extremely valuable properties such as an excellent thermal stability, good mechanical properties, low water uptake, and superior flame resistance, to name a few. 15 –26 The chopped CFs were chosen to improve the overall toughness of the prepared composite because of their well-known mechanical performances. The Bi 2 O 3 nanoparticles were chosen due to their high density and ability to improve the thermomechanical properties of the PN resin.…”