Molecular interaction and properties of poly(ether ether ketone)/liquid crystalline polymer blends incorporated with functionalized carbon nanotubes

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with a carboxyl group (-COOH) to achieve better interfacial adhesions with both phases of the poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) in their blend. These strong interfacial interactions among the functionalized MWCNTs, PEEK and LCP improved the mechanical properties of the polymer blend. Three different weight percentages (0.6%, 1.2% and 1.8%) of acid modified CNTs were used with PEEK-LCP blend, for the preparation of nanocomposites. In PEEK-LCP blend, the ratio of PEEK and LCP was maintained as 10:6 respectively. The tensile strength and modulus of the composites were improved by 51% and 73% respectively with the incorporation of only 1.2% of MWCNT-COOH as compared to the unfilled PEEK/LCP blend. Moreover, careful studies of the molecular interaction, morphological, dynamic mechanical and thermal properties confirmed that a better miscibility between PEEK and LCP had been constituted in the presence of MWCNT-COOH. Therefore, it was found that the functionalized MWCNTs not only played the traditional role as reinforcing filler, but also performed a novel role as a compatibilizer for the PEEK/LCP blends.     

High-performance conductive materials based on the selective location of carbon black in poly(ether ether ketone)/polyimide matrix

A novel high performance conductive material with excellent comprehensive properties was prepared by melt-blending, and its performances were adjusted by controlling the selective location of carbon black (CB) in poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK)/thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) matrix. With increasing the CB loadings, the morphology of PEEK/TPI blends changed from sea-island to co-continuous structure, which was owing to the selective location of CB in TPI phase. Notably, with the selective location of CB in the induced co-continuous PEEK/TPI matrix, the electrical percolation threshold was reduced to 5 wt%, which was significantly lower than that of binary PEEK/CB (9 wt%) and TPI/CB (10 wt%) composites. And the electrical conductivity of ternary PEEK/TPI/CB composites was 10⁴ to 10⁶ times higher than that of binary composites at identical 7.5 wt% CB loading, which was attributed to the double percolation effect. Moreover, the incorporation of CB could improve the thermal and mechanical properties effectively.     

碳纤维-AlN/聚醚醚酮复合材料的制备与性能

以聚醚醚酮(PEEK)为基体树脂、碳纤维(CF)和氮化铝(AlN)为填料,通过模压成型的方法制备了抗静电耐热型CF-AlN/PEEK复合材料。采用高阻计、导热系数测定仪、热失重、差示扫描量热仪和SEM研究了CF-AlN/PEEK复合材料的抗静电性能、热性能、力学性能以及降温速率对复合材料性能的影响,并探讨了后期热处理对力学性能的影响。结果表明:当CF和AlN的质量分数均为10%时,CF-AlN/PEEK复合材料的性能较优,其表面电阻率达到108 Ω,比PEEK的表面电阻率提高了6个数量级;导热系数为0.418 W·(m·K)-1,初始分解温度高达573℃;拉伸强度提高了40.4%;降温速率越低,复合材料的熔点越高;后期热处理会影响CF-AlN/PEEK复合材料的力学性能,在270℃下热处理2 h,其拉伸强度可达146 MPa,表明在生产过程中,加工温度是影响复合材料性能的因素之一。      

Phase behaviour and mechanical properties of poly(ether ether ketone)-poly(ether sulphone) blends

The phase behaviour and the mechanical properties of binary blends composed of poly(ether ether ketone) and poly(ether sulphone) have been studied both in the amorphous state and after crystallization of poly(ether ether ketone).Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamical mechanical analysis clearly show the existence of phase separation in the blends. Density measurements confirm the absence of strong interactions between the blend components, as well as the slight effect of PES on the crystallization of PEEK.The mechanical properties of the quenched, amorphous blends remain surprisingly good in spite of the observed immiscibility, however, slowly cooled, crystalline blends appear as brittle materials.     

Design and preparation of graphene/poly(ether ether ketone) composites with excellent electrical conductivity

Graphene/poly(ether ether ketone) (m-TRG/PEEK) composites with excellent electrical conductivity were fabricated by hot pressing technique with thermally reduced graphene nanosheets (m-TRG) which were modified by poly(ether sulfone). Moreover, the conductive, thermal, and mechanical properties of PEEK/m-TRG composites were investigated by the precision impedance analyzer, thermal gravimetric analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry, and universal tester, respectively. The electrical conductivity of m-TRG/PEEK composites was greatly improved by incorporating graphene, resulting in a sharp transition from electrical insulator to semiconductor with a low percolation threshold of 0.76 vol.%. A high electrical conductivity of 0.18 S m^?1 was achieved with 3.84 vol.% of m-TRG. The data were compared with those of composites reduced chemically, and the results showed that thermal reduction was an effective method to acquire higher electrical conductive composites. The excellent electrical property should be attributed to the large specific surface area of m-TRG, well dispersion of m-TRG in PEEK matrix, and good compatibility of m-TRG with PEEK matrix, as proven by scanning electron microscope. Besides, m-TRG/PEEK composites also exhibited relatively good thermal and mechanical properties.     

聚醚醚酮和烯丙基化合物改性双马来酰亚胺复合材料微观结构及力学性能

采用浓H₂SO₄氧化聚醚醚酮（PEEK）得到磺化聚醚醚酮（SPEEK）,以3,3'-二烯丙基双酚A （BBA）、双酚A双烯丙基醚（BBE）为活性稀释剂、SPEEK为改性剂、双马来酰亚胺（BMI）树脂为基体,浇注成型制备SPEEK/BBA-BBE-BMI复合材料,同时研究了SPEEK的改性效果及复合材料微观形貌与力学性能。结果表明：SPEEK改性效果较好,在FTIR中存在明显的磺酸基团特征峰,SEM和能谱分析表明,SPEEK微观形貌变化明显,硫元素含量较高;SPEEK/BBA-BBE-BMI复合材料的微观形貌显示,SPEEK在基体中呈现直径为2 μm左右的多孔状两相结构,且分散均匀,此多孔结构改善了复合材料的断裂形貌,由脆性断裂转变为韧性断裂,当断裂纹遇到SPEEK组分时受阻而出现不规则发散,此变化会赋予复合材料更加优异的性能。力学性能测试结果显示,当SPEEK含量为5wt%时,SPEEK/BBA-BBE-BMI复合材料的弯曲强度和冲击强度达到最佳,分别为147.93 MPa和15.74 kJ/mm²,分别比基体提高了49.47%和66.21%。     

Preparation and thermal properties of soluble poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) composites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotube buckypaper

A nanocomposite with soluble high-performance poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK) as matrix and multi-walled carbon nanotube buckypaper (MWCNT-BP) as reinforcement was fabricated by hot-press processing. The morphologies, dynamic and static mechanical behavior, thermal stability of the MWCNT-BP/PPESK composites were studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). SEM microphotographs revealed a high impregnation degree of the MWCNT-BP/PPESK composites. Dynamic and static mechanical analysis revealed that the nanocomposites possessed high storage modulus, and good retention rate of mechanical strength even at 250 °C, which is mainly attributed to satisfied impregnation and strong interactions between MWCNT-BP and PPESK. Thermogravimetric analysis exhibited that the nanocomposites had excellent thermal stability. These investigations confirm that MWCNT-BP can be effectively used to manufacture high-loading CNT/PPESK composites with improved properties.     

In situ polymerized nanocomposites: Polystyrene/CNT and Poly(methyl methacrylate)/CNT composites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated into polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrices via in situ emulsion and emulsion/suspension polymerization methods. The polymerizations were carried out using various initiators, surfactants, and carbon nanotubes to determine their influence on polymerization and on the properties of the composites. The loading of CNTs in the composites varied from 0 to 15 wt.%, depending on the CNTs used. Morphology and dispersion of the CNTs were analyzed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in the composites was excellent, even at high CNT loading. The mechanical properties, and electrical and thermal conductivities, of the composites were also analyzed. Both electrical and thermal conductivities were improved.     

The mechanical properties of insert-molded poly (ether imide) (PEI)/C fiber poly (ether ether ketone)(PEEK) composites

The mechanical properties of insert-molded poly(ether imide) (PEI)/carbon fiber poly(etheretherketone) (CF PEEK) have been examined. Bimaterial composite specimens were constructed by injecting CF PEEK into a mold containing one-half of a PEI tensile specimen. These PEI/CF PEEK composites retained much of their strength and dimensional integrity at temperatures as high as 200°C. Variations in test speed had little affect on breaking strains or stiffness. For two grades of PEI examined, properties were independent of the molecular weight of the PEI. Ultimate properties and fracture surfaces suggested good adhesion between the PEI and CF PEEK, possibly aided by miscibility between the two materials. The PEI/CF PEEK bimaterial composites behaved similarly to PC/CF PEEK specimens, but exhibited higher breaking stresses and moduli, both at room and elevated temperatures.     

聚醚醚酮增韧改性环氧树脂

采用共混法用聚醚醚酮(PEEK)改性环氧树脂(EP),借助差示扫描量热分析(DSC)确定了环氧树脂的固化工艺,测试了共混体系的工艺性能,研究了聚醚醚酮含量对环氧树脂力学性能的影响。借助扫描电子显微镜(SEM)对材料断裂面的形态结构进行了分析,探讨了体系的形态结构与冲击性能之间的关系。结果表明,在改性材料的韧性有所提高的同时,压缩强度、马丁耐热都没有降低。从断裂面的形态来看,是属于韧性断裂。当PEEK的加入量为6%时,韧性最好,达到19．1kJ/m~2,比纯的环氧树脂增加了107．6%。     

聚醚醚酮增韧改性环氧树脂

采用共混法用聚醚醚酮(PEEK)改性环氧树脂(EP),借助差示扫描量热分析(DSC)确定了环氧树脂的固化工艺,测试了共混体系的工艺性能,研究了聚醚醚酮含量对环氧树脂力学性能的影响.借助扫描电子显微镜(SEM)对材料断裂面的形态结构进行了分析,探讨了体系的形态结构与冲击性能之间的关系.结果表明,在改性材料的韧性有所提高的同时,压缩强度、马丁耐热都没有降低.从断裂面的形态来看,是属于韧性断裂.当PEEK的加入量为6%时,韧性最好,达到19.1 kJ/m2,比纯的环氧树脂增加了107.6%.     

热致液晶聚酯/聚醚醚酮复合纤维的制备与表征

将热致液晶聚酯(VA)与聚醚醚酮(PEEK)共混后,通过熔融纺丝制备了热致液晶聚酯/聚醚醚酮复合纤维,并对复合纤维的热性能、聚集态结构、相态结构和力学性能进行了研究。结果表明,VA的加入能够降低PEEK纤维的玻璃化温度和冷结晶温度,同时PEEK的结晶温度也随着VA的加入而升高;VA的加入有利于提高PEEK的结晶性能,使得PEEK晶粒尺寸变大,晶面间距变小,晶体更加完善,晶区取向增强;随着VA添加量的增大,VA相逐渐由球状或椭球状向微纤状变化;随着喷丝头拉伸比的增大,VA相的长径比呈现先增大后减小的趋势;添加1%和2%的VA后,复合纤维的断裂强度有少许下降,而当VA的添加量增大到4%后,复合纤维的总拉伸倍数提高,并且断裂强度有一定的提升。     

Pristine and amino functionalized carbon nanotubes reinforced glass fiber epoxy composites

Multi-phase composites have been studied by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a secondary reinforcement in an epoxy matrix which was then reinforced with glass fiber mat. Different types of CNTs e.g. amino functionalized carbon nanotubes (ACNT) and pristine carbon nanotubes (PCNT) were homogeneously dispersed in the epoxy matrix and two-ply laminates were fabricated using vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding technique. The issues related to CNT dispersion and interfacial bonding and its affect on the mechanical properties have been studied. An important finding of this study is that PCNT scores over ACNT in composites prepared under certain conditions. This is a very significant finding since PCNT is available at a much lower cost than ACNT.     

Influence of carbon nanotube-polymeric compatibilizer masterbatches on morphological, thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of polyethylene

Study was made of the effect of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polymeric compatibilizer on thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE). The composites were prepared by melt mixing in two steps. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were melt mixed with maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PEgMA) as polymeric compatibilizer to produce a PEgMA-CNT masterbatch containing 20 wt% of CNTs. The masterbatch was then added to HDPE to prepare HDPE nanocomposites with CNT content of 2 or 6 wt%. The unmodified and modified (hydroxyl or amine groups) CNTs had similar effects on the properties of HDPE-PEgMA indicating that only non-covalent interactions were achieved between CNTs and matrix. According to SEM studies, single nanotubes and CNT agglomerates (size up to 1 μm) were present in all nanocomposites regardless of content or modification of CNTs. Addition of CNTs to HDPE-PEgMA increased decomposition temperature, but only slight changes were observed in crystallization temperature, crystallinity, melting temperature, and coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE). Young’s modulus and tensile strength of matrix clearly increased, while elongation at break decreased. Measured values of Young’s moduli of HDPE-PEgMA-CNT composites were between the values of Young’s moduli for longitudinal (E₁₁) and transverse (E₂₂) direction predicted by Mori-Tanaka and Halpin-Tsai composite theories. Addition of CNTs to HDPE-PEgMA did not change the tribological properties of the matrix. Because of its higher crystallinity, PEgMA possessed significantly different properties from HDPE matrix: better mechanical properties, lower friction and wear, and lower CLTE in normal direction. Interestingly, the mechanical and tribological properties and CLTEs of HDPE-PEgMA-CNT composites lie between those of PEgMA and HDPE.     

Effect of a multiscale reinforcement by carbon fiber surface treatment with graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties of reinforced carbon/carbon composites

An effective carbon fiber/graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes (CF-GO-CNTs) multiscale reinforcement was prepared by co-grafting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) onto the carbon fiber surface. The effects of surface modification on the properties of carbon fiber (CF) and the resulting composites was investigated systematically. The GO and CNTs were chemically grafted on the carbon fiber surface as a uniform coating, which could significantly increase the polar functional groups and surface energy of carbon fiber. In addition, the GO and CNTs co-grafted on the carbon fiber surface could improve interlaminar shear strength of the resulting composites by 48.12% and the interfacial shear strength of the resulting composites by 83.39%. The presence of GO and CNTs could significantly enhance both the area and wettability of fiber surface, leading to great increase in the mechanical properties of GO/CNTs/carbon fiber reinforced composites.     

The effects of solvent sorption on the properties of poly(ether ether ketone)

A study has been carried out on the sorption of ortho-dichlorobenzene, N,N-dimethylformamide and water by poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK). Two types of PEEK samples have been analysed; the first in the amorphous state and the second with a high crystallinity level. The sorption and desorption curves have been determined and the effect of the solvent presence on the mechanical properties has been analysed by means of the tensile test. PEEK is affected to a different extent by the solvents studied and also by the crystallinity of the polymer. Sorption takes place only in the case of amorphous PEEK. Its effect on the mechanical properties of PEEK is explained on the basis of the two concomitant processes that are the consequence of sorption, these are: plasticization and induced crystallization.     

Evaluating the orientation and dispersion of carbon nanotubes inside nanocomposites by a focused-ion-beam technique

Poly ether ether ketone (PEEK)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) nanocomposites were fabricated to characterize and understand the orientation and dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a polymer matrix. A focused-ion-beam (FIB) technique was used for milling the nanocomposite by a focused gallium ion beam, and the MWNTs were carefully observed. The PEEK preferentially disappeared when the Ga⁺ ion beam milled the composite, and MWNTs were exposed on the surface of composites. Using this method, it is very easy to estimate and directly evaluate the orientation of the MWNTs in the polymer matrix even though they are embedded in the polymer matrix. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to characterize the detailed position of the nanotubes in the PEEK matrix.     

Effects of functional group of carbon nanotubes on mechanical properties of carbon fibers

The effects of surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the mechanical properties of carbon fibers (CFs) have been investigated. The surface functionalization of CNTs was carried out with a diazonium reagent. Compared to pure PAN, only the fluoro phenyl functionalized CNTs (F-Ph-CNT) incorporated PAN composites showed a significant increase up to 22 °C of T_g and displayed the second peak due to the interfacial interaction between F-Ph-CNT and PAN. Among the samples, 0.5wt% of F-Ph-CNT reinforced CFs exhibited a 46% increase in tensile strength (4.1 GPa) and a 37% increase in modulus (302 GPa), respectively compared to that of pure CFs.     

Processing dependent morphology, interfacial interaction and shear behavior of short carbon fiber reinforced PEEK

Shear properties of compression-molded discontinuous AS4 carbon fiber reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) composites are evaluated with Iosipescu tests. It is found that both shear modulus and shear strength strongly depend on the molding conditions. A comparison between shear behavior of the composites and composites morphology reveals that fusion of the composite pellets and fiber/matrix interfacial interaction on molecular scale are the two dominant factors which determine the processing dependent shear properties of the materials studied.     

Fabrication and characterization of Al-matrix composites reinforced with amino-functionalized carbon nanotubes

We report the fabrication of Al-matrix composites reinforced with amino-functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNTs) using powder metallurgy process. Functionalization of the nanotubes was carried out by ball milling multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the presence of ammonium bicarbonate. It has been found that the mechanical properties of Al-fCNT composites were much superior to the composites fabricated using non-functionalized or acid functionalized carbon nanotubes. The enhancement in mechanical properties in these composites are attributed mainly to the better and homogeneous dispersion of fCNT in Al matrix as compared to non-functionalized or acid functionalized carbon nanotubes and the formation of a strong interfacial bonding between fCNT and Al matrix leading to an efficient load transfer from Al matrix to fCNT following high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.