Inorganic Nanoparticle-Modified Poly(Phenylene Sulphide)/ Carbon Fiber Laminates: Thermomechanical Behaviour

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced thermoplastics like poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS) are crucial structural composites in aerospace and automotive industries.
• Porosity in CF-reinforced polymers significantly impacts mechanical properties, making void reduction critical for practical applications.
• Inorganic fullerene-like tungsten disulphide (IF-WS₂) nanoparticles offer unique lubricating and reinforcing potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of IF-WS₂ nanoparticle loading on the quality, thermal, and mechanical behavior of PPS/CF hybrid composites.
• To evaluate the potential of IF-WS₂ as a nanofiller for improving the thermomechanical performance of thermoplastic composites.
• To assess the impact of IF-WS₂ on porosity, fiber impregnation, and flame retardancy.

Main Methods:

• Melt-blending and hot-press processing were employed to manufacture PPS/IF-WS₂/CF laminates with varying IF-WS₂ content.
• Characterization included assessment of porosity, fiber impregnation, mechanical properties (compression, flexural), thermal properties (T_g, HDT, CTE), ignition point, and heat release rate.
• Microstructural analysis was performed to understand the synergistic effects of micro- and nano-scale fillers.

Main Results:

• Addition of IF-WS₂ improved fiber impregnation, leading to reduced porosity and enhanced delamination resistance, compression, and flexural properties.
• IF-WS₂ loading above 0.5 wt% increased the glass transition temperature (T_g) and heat deflection temperature (HDT) while decreasing the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE).
• The hybrid composites exhibited higher ignition points and significantly reduced peak heat release rates, indicating improved flame retardancy. Synergistic effects between micro- and nano-fillers enhanced stiffness, strength, thermal conductivity, and flame retardancy.

Conclusions:

• IF-WS₂ nanoparticles effectively reduce porosity and enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of PPS/CF composites.
• The incorporation of IF-WS₂ leads to improved flame retardancy and synergistic improvements in thermomechanical performance.
• IF-WS₂ nanoparticles are promising nanofillers for developing advanced thermoplastic/CF composites with superior properties for demanding applications.