A comprehensive exploration of PPS/MgO@MoS2 core–shell composites for enhanced thermal and mechanical performance

Abstract

The growing worldwide energy crisis and environmental issues have prompted the exploration of sustainable alternatives across different sectors, such as the automotive realm. Electric vehicles (EVs) have surfaced as a practical substitute for traditional fossil fuel-driven vehicles, with their efficacy being contingent upon the weight of the vehicle. In this investigation, we present polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) as an advanced engineering plastic, boasting exceptional resistance to high temperatures and chemical stability. Its versatility makes it suitable for a range of applications within the automotive industry. However, the thermal conductivity of PPS is lower than those of other engineering plastics. Therefore, a novel core–shell structure comprising magnesium oxide (MgO) and molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) was fabricated to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties. The core–shell structure was elucidated via a comprehensive analysis using various techniques. Furthermore, the PPS/MgO@MoS2/PA composites were synthesized to address the challenges associated with high filler ratios. Tensile strength evaluations and thermal conductivity assessments confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed materials for diverse engineering applications, particularly in EVs. Additionally, surface treatments with polyformaldehyde and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (PA) improved the adhesion with the PPS matrix, which enhanced the mechanical tensile strength to 90 MPa. As the filler ratio increased, the MgO@MoS2 core–shell achieved a high through-plane heat conductivity of 4.07 W/m·K, which is 22 times compared to pristine PPS. Hence, this study provides valuable insights into the ongoing pursuit of sustainable automotive solutions by addressing the critical issues of energy efficiency, environmental impact, and materials science.