Loos, Marcio RodrigoMarcio RodrigoLoosAbetz, VolkerVolkerAbetzSchulte, KarlKarlSchulte2023-11-172023-11-172011-03-01Polymer International 60 (3): 517-528 (2011)https://hdl.handle.net/11420/44209Sulfonated 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.en0959-810320113517528Carbon nanotubesHigh-performance polymersIn situ polymerizationMechanical propertiesNanocompositesPolyoxadiazolesChemistryJournal Article10.1002/pi.2983Journal Article