Advancing Compatibility and Interfacial Interaction Between PEEK and GNPs Through a Strategic Approach Using...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance polymer widely used in automotive applications due to its excellent thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties.
• Enhancements to PEEK are needed to further improve its practical performance and expand its application scope.
• Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) offer potential for reinforcing polymer matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the performance of PEEK by incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs).
• To optimize GNP dispersion in PEEK using non-covalent functionalization.
• To investigate the thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of the modified PEEK/GNP composites.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized pyrene-functionalized poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (py-PDMAEMA-b-PMMA) as a compatibilizer.
• Prepared PEEK/GNP composites using functionalized GNPs (F-GNP) and pristine GNPs (P-GNP).
• Evaluated composite properties via thermal analysis, tensile testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• F-GNP composites exhibited higher crystallinity and tensile strength compared to P-GNP composites.
• Optimal performance was achieved at 0.1 wt.% GNP content.
• SEM analysis confirmed enhanced tribological behavior, including reduced friction and abrasive wear, in F-GNP composites.
• Improved interfacial bonding and uniform stress distribution were observed in F-GNP composites.

Conclusions:

• Non-covalent functionalization of GNPs with py-PDMAEMA-b-PMMA significantly enhances PEEK composite performance.
• The enhanced PEEK/F-GNP composites demonstrate superior mechanical and tribological properties.
• These findings suggest potential for expanded applications of PEEK in demanding fields like automotive and electronics.