Fast and highly efficient one-pot synthesis of polyoxadiazole/carbon nanotube nanocomposites in mild acid

Journal
Polymer International
Volume
60
Issue
3
Start Page
517
End Page
528
Citation
Polymer International 60 (3): 517-528 (2011)
Publisher DOI
10.1002/pi.2983
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-79751481237
Sulfonated poly(4,4'-diphenylether-1,3,4-oxadiazole) (POD) composites have been successfully prepared through solution polycondensation of 4,4'-diphenylether dicarboxylic acid and hydrazine sulfate. The reactions were performed in the presence of various types of pristine carbon nanotubes, i.e. single-, double- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, using mild poly(phosphoric acid) as a condensing agent. The POD composites with high molecular weight (of the order of 105 g mol-1) were highly soluble in polar aprotic solvents and thermally stable at temperatures as high as 475 °C. The synthesis method used guaranteed an improved interaction between filler and matrix, thus allowing an enhanced load transfer. The overall performance of the composites was enhanced due to a synergistic reinforcement effect. The nanocomposites exhibited an increase of +33% in storage modulus, +56% in tensile strength and +245% in tensile energy to break. © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.
Subjects
Carbon nanotubes
High-performance polymers
In situ polymerization
Mechanical properties
Nanocomposites
Polyoxadiazoles
DDC Class
540: Chemistry