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Aramid nanofiber-functionalized graphene nanosheets for polymer reinforcement
Jinchen Fan1, Zixing Shi, Lu Zhang
1School of Chemistry & Chemical Technology, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
Nanoscale
|October 11, 2012
Summary
Aramid nanofibers (ANFs) functionalized graphene sheets (ANFGS) were developed as novel nanofillers. ANFGS significantly enhanced the mechanical properties and thermal stability of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Aramid macroscale fibers, like Kevlar, possess exceptional mechanical properties.
- Aramid nanofibers (ANFs) can be produced by dissolving aramid fibers in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) with potassium hydroxide (KOH).
- Graphene nanosheets (GS) are known for their unique properties and potential in composite materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce aramid nanofibers (ANFs) into graphene nanosheets (GS) via non-covalent functionalization.
- To create aramid nanofiber-functionalized graphene sheets (ANFGS) as advanced nanofillers.
- To investigate the reinforcement effects of ANFGS on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites.
Main Methods:
- ANFs were synthesized from aramid fibers using DMSO and KOH.
- Aramid nanofiber-functionalized graphene sheets (ANFGS) were prepared by combining ANFs with graphene oxide (GO) in DMSO, followed by reduction with hydrazine hydrate.
- ANFGS were incorporated into PMMA to form composite films.
Main Results:
- ANFGS were successfully synthesized and dispersed in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP).
- PMMA composites with 0.7 wt% ANFGS exhibited an 84.5% increase in tensile strength (63.2 MPa) and a 70.6% increase in Young's modulus (3.42 GPa).
- The addition of ANFGS improved the thermal stability and UV-shielding properties of the PMMA composites.
Conclusions:
- ANFGS serve as effective nanofillers for enhancing polymer mechanical properties.
- The combination of ANFs and GS creates a synergistic effect for material reinforcement.
- ANFGS/PMMA composites demonstrate potential for applications requiring improved strength, thermal stability, and UV protection.
