Properties of clay/graphene/thermoplastic nanocomposites in relation to their composition: Synergetic effect of hybrid nanofillers and role of matrix

Abstract

The structural, rheological, thermal and mechanical properties of composites, constituted of a polyamide 12 filled with commercial graphene nanoplatelets and organically modified nanoclays, were investigated. Different graphene/clay ratios were used in order to better understand the role played by each kind of filler in the improvement of the end-use properties of prepared composites. With this aim in view, the dispersion state of fillers in ternary nanocomposites was evaluated in comparison with those of graphene PA and clay PA binary composites. Measured rheological and mechanical properties of ternary systems were discussed in comparison with those calculated as the sum of the contributions of graphene and clay in the PA matrix, underlining the combined roles of both fillers in the improvement of composite properties. On the other hand, structural and end-use properties of the 5 wt% graphene 5 wt% clay PA material were compared with those obtained in the past for the composite constituted with a high viscous polyethylene/maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene matrix filled with same commercial graphene nanoplatelets (5 wt%) and similar organically modified montmorillonite fillers (5 wt%). This comparison aimed at understanding the role played by the matrix in the dispersion states of both clay and graphene fillers, and consequently in the end-use properties of composites.