Investigation of binary blends of m-aramid and sodium ionomer: Mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties

Abstract

Novel hybrid blend with the composition of m-aramid and sodium ionomers with different weight ratio percentage were prepared by the solution blending technique. The prepared composite films were characterized by the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The phase structure, compatibility, and morphologies of the composite film were investigated with SEM, DMA, XRD, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The TGA of the composite films shows improvement in the thermal stability. The temperature corresponding to 5% ( T 5%) weight losses is in the range of 101–414°C. The storage modulus (in the range of 01.55–3.0 GPa) and glass transition temperature (in the range of 244–276°C) decreased with an increase in the content of sodium ionomers. The tensile strength of the composite films is in the range of 160–185 MPa. This effective approach shows a potential application in the field of m-aramid-based composites.