Polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposite with WS2 nanotubes

Abstract

Nanocomposite materials, integrating nanoscale additives into a polymer matrix, hold immense promise for their exceptional property amalgamation. This study delves into the fabrication and characterization of polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposite strings fortified with multiwall WS₂ nanotubes. The manufacturing process capitalizes on the preferential alignment of WS₂ nanotubes along the string axis, corroborated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical measurements unveil a remarkable acceleration of strain hardening in the nanocomposite strings, chiefly attributed to the WS₂ nanotubes. Structural analyses via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) reveal intriguing structural alterations during tensile deformation. Notably a semi-crystalline framework ∼100 nm in diameter surrounding the WS₂ nanotubes emerges, which is stabilized by the π–π interactions between the PEI chains. The amorphous majority phase (97% by volume) undergoes also major structural changes upon strain becoming more compact and closing-up of the distance beweeetn the PEI chains. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) demonstrates improved thermal stability of the evolved semi-crystalline π–π oriented PEI molecules, characterized by delayed thermal “structural melting”, underscoring the pivotal role of the WS₂ nanotubes in reinforcing the nanocomposite. The insight gained in this study of WS₂ nanotube-reinforced PEI nanocomposite strings, could offer diverse applications for such tailor-made polymeric materials.