Periodic Functionalization of Graphene‐Layered Alumina Nanofibers with Aromatic Thermosetting Copolyester via Epitaxial Step‐Growth Polymerization

Abstract

AbstractIn situ epitaxial step‐growth polymerization driven interfacial functionalization of aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) with multilayered graphene wrapped alumina nanofiber surface is reported. During a thermal condensation polymerization, ATSP dip‐coated fiber strands develop a nanohybrid shish–kebab structure with periodically assembled and off‐surface grown micrometer‐scale lamella ATSP domains. A mechanism combining the Plateau–Rayleigh instability, the Marangoni effect, and the epitaxial growth phenomena is proposed to elucidate controlling parameters in the process. X‐ray diffraction measurements clearly demonstrate the formation of a mesomorphic lamella phase not present within either the neat ATSP or pristine fiber samples. Results of solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance and thermogravimetric analysis reveal the development of an interfacial coupling between the graphene‐coated ceramic nanofibers and the ATSP matrix.