Towards a new generation of polymer nanocomposites based on inorganic nanotubes

Abstract

We report for the first time the preparation and characterization of novel polymer nanocomposites based on inorganic nanotubes (INTs) processed by an advantageous melt-processing route. This strategy offers an attractive way to combine the merits of organic and inorganic materials into novel polymer/INTs and opens new perspectives for large scale production. The polymer matrix selected here is iPP and the inorganic nanofillers are MoS₂ nanotubes. The morphological and structural investigations confirm the successful dispersion of the INT-MoS₂ into the iPP matrix. A significant enhancement of the thermal stability of iPP and a nucleating effect of the INTs comparable to CNTs has been observed. The excellent dynamic mechanical data demonstrates the high performance of these novel nanocomposites for industrial applications.