High-Performance Heterocyclic Aramid Fibers Reinforced by Graphene Oxide for Advanced Impact-Resistant Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Poly(p-phenylene-benzimidazole-terephthalamide) (PBIA) fibers offer exceptional mechanical properties for aerospace and ballistic protection.
• Limitations in PBIA fibers include insufficient chain orientation and weak lateral interactions, hindering impact resistance.
• Enhancing dynamic mechanical properties is crucial for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel strategy for significantly enhancing the dynamic mechanical properties of heterocyclic aramid fibers.
• To improve both the strength and toughness of PBIA fibers for superior impact resistance.
• To explore the potential of in situ polymerization of graphene oxide (GO) with PBIA.

Main Methods:

• In situ polymerization of graphene oxide (GO) with PBIA precursors.
• Wet spinning technique for fiber fabrication.
• Incorporation of an ether-group component to enhance toughness.

Main Results:

• Achieved an ultrahigh dynamic strength of 10.63 GPa, a 47.23% increase over PBIA fibers.
• Enhanced dynamic toughness to 277.25 MJ m⁻³, an 85.3% improvement.
• Demonstrated superior specific energy dissipation power in impact tests.
• Woven fabrics showed a 40.46% higher load capacity than PBIA fabrics.

Conclusions:

• The developed composite fibers exhibit significantly enhanced dynamic strength and toughness.
• Improved interfacial energy and contact area contribute to superior dynamic performance.
• The approach offers a practical and effective method for creating high-performance impact-resistant materials.