Hybrids of Mg–Al-layered double hydroxide and multiwalled carbon nanotube as a reinforcing filler in the l-phenylalanine-based polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

In this study, hybrid nanofiller based on acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) and Mg–Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) was used as reinforcing agent in the preparation of the amino acid containing polymer nanocomposites. LDH–CNT nanofillers were prepared in aqueous solution by ultrasonic irradiation in one-step. An optically active poly(amide-imide) (PAI) was prepared under green condition using molten tetra-n-butylammonium bromide. PAI/LDH–CNT nanocomposites containing 2, 4, and 8 mass% of LDH–CNT were prepared by ultrasonic method, and the structure and morphology of the obtained hybrid compounds were characterized by different techniques. The homogeneous dispersion of nanofillers in the PAI matrix was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The obtained results revealed a coexistence of exfoliated and intercalated modified LDH–CNT in polymer matrix. Strong combination of the above nanofillers with the PAI matrix provided an efficient thermal improvement for the resulted nanocomposites.