PMMA functionalized boron nitride sheets as nanofillers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is a 2D material with excellent thermal and electrical properties.
• Improving the dispersion and mechanical properties of hBN as a nanofiller is crucial for advanced composite applications.
• Surface modification of hBN is a key strategy to enhance its compatibility with polymer matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve functionalization of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with polymer chains.
• To investigate the impact of polymer functionalization on the dispersion and mechanical properties of hBN as a nanofiller.
• To characterize the polymer-functionalized hBN using various analytical techniques.

Main Methods:

• Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from thermally treated hBN.
• Dispersion analysis of functionalized vs. pristine hBN in a polymer matrix.
• Characterization using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).

Main Results:

• Successful growth of polymer chains from the hBN surface via ATRP.
• Significantly improved dispersion of polymer-functionalized hBN within the matrix.
• Substantial enhancement in material toughness compared to composites with pristine hBN.

Conclusions:

• Polymer functionalization via ATRP is an effective method to improve hBN nanofiller performance.
• Enhanced dispersion and mechanical properties are achieved through surface modification.
• The developed material holds promise for high-performance polymer composites.