Polyamide 1010 and 2D nanomaterials based hybrid multifunctional nanocomposites

Abstract

Nanocomposites based on two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials incorporated in a polymeric matrix find ample opportunities for the development of multifunctional materials aimed at new applications. This is due to the exceptional properties of these nanofillers. Despite presenting similar geometries, different 2D materials, such as graphene, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and transition metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS2, exhibit very different characteristics, providing an interesting path for creating composites with multifunctional properties. The key is to insert these 2D nanomaterials, separately and hybridly, with two or more present, in the polymeric matrix to form specific structures, allowing their properties to be translated into the composites. Thus, a special emphasis must be given to the identification of the critical relationships between material characteristics, processing conditions, formed structures, and properties of the final products. In this way, the design of composites for multifunctional applications in emerging fields, e.g., flexible electronics, wearable sensors, energy storage, and advanced automotive parts is made possible. Therefore, this project is based on the production of multifunctional polymeric nanocomposites employing melt extrusion, since this process is environmentally benign and is the most used in the industry for the manufacture of thermoplastic composites. This project main objective is to develop routes to insert 2D fillers in polyamide 1010 in the molten state, in order to obtain traditional and hybrid polymeric nanocomposites with unique properties due to the superlative characteristics of these fillers, such as graphene, graphene oxide (GO), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). The project's focus is not only on academic science to generate scientific knowledge in this area that has been explored since the isolation of graphene in 2004, but also on having a direction for the application of these materials that will be produced. It is also important to mention here that PA1010/2D nanocomposites can be characterized as an interesting substitute for PA11, which also has an ecological origin, but has a higher aggregate cost. Depending on the characteristics achieved by the production of hybrid nanocomposites based on PA1010, these may be strong candidates to replace even other engineering polymers, as well as metallic parts in applications of automotive components and electrical connectors, taking advantage of its multifunctionality. (AU)