Ce-TA MOF assembled GO nanosheets reinforced epoxy composite for superior thermo-mechanical properties

Abstract

BackgroundRecently, graphene oxide has been used for different purposes i.e., for improving the thermo-mechanical properties of polymer coatings. In this research, for the first time, the eco-friendly cerium-based Metal-Organic Framework aligned Graphene Oxide (GO/Ce-TA MOF) was developed to enhance the tensile stress and fracture toughness of the epoxy matrix. Moreover, the mechanical and thermal stability of the Ce-TA MOF reinforced polymer coating was studied. MethodsThe morphological characterization, stability, functionality, and the individual structure of the prepared epoxy nanocomposites were surveyed by the FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopes), tensile test, and DMTA (Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis). The GO, Ce-TA MOF, and GO/Ce-TA MOF chemical composition and structure were studied by Raman, XRD (X-ray Powder Diffraction), FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), Pull-off adhesion test, Impact test, and FE-SEM approaches. Significant findingsAt first, the epoxy composites' cross-sectional profiles, illustrating the fracture morphology, were strong evidence for proving the high toughening properties and the uniform dispersion degree of the Ce-based MOFs particles in the epoxy matrix. The thermal resistance of the Ce-TA MOF and GO/Ce-TA MOF reinforced coatings was increased about 20% and 30%, respectively, compared with the neat epoxy matrix. The Pull-off adhesion test results revealed no coating detachment after the introduction of the Ce-TA MOF and GO/Ce-TA MOF into the epoxy coating. Besides, the results of the impact test displayed that the addition of the additives to the epoxy matrix met the resistance of the coating to the mechanical damage. The outcomes of the tensile test have demonstrated about 275% and 195% improvement in the breakpoint energy, and 90% and 60% breakthrough in the tensile strength of the Ce-TA MOF and GO/Ce-TA MOF nanocomposites, respectively. The ultimate results asserted that the mechanical performance of the Ce-TA MOF could be considered more noticeable than the GO/Ce-TA MOF particles.