Synergistic reinforcement effect of 3D graphene@multi-walled carbon nanotube hybrid nanofiller in enhancing the electrical, EMI-shielding, and mechanical properties of polyethersulfone

Abstract

In this investigation, we have explored the reduced graphene oxide-multi-walled carbon nanotube (rGO-MWCNT) hybrid nanofiller as an efficient synergistic reinforcement to enhance the physical properties of polyethersulfone (PES). The rGO-MWCNT reinforced PES nanocomposite films were fabricated via a simple in-situ polymerization reaction and subsequent solution casting process. In contrast to single-component filler, the rGO-MWCNT hybrid filler exhibited better dispersion efficiency in terms of mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability of the PES nanocomposite, which is due to the strong synergistic effect of the hybrid filler that surpassing the performance of the individual rGO and MWCNT fillers. The maximum enhancement of dc conductivity (3.78 × 10−7 S/cm) and EMI shielding effectiveness (60 dB at a film thickness of 40 µm) are found for the nanocomposite reinforced with the hybrid filler containing rGO/MWCNT mass ratio of 3:1. The tensile strength was enhanced by 1.6-fold and Young’s modulus by 3.7-fold by the inclusion of only 2 Wt% rGO-MWCNT (3:1) hybrid filler into the PES matrix. The reinforcing efficiency of the hybrid was evaluated by comparing the experimental modulus values with theoretical data. Overall, the present PES/rGO-MWCNT nanocomposite could be potentially used as a Radar absorbing material in stealth aircraft and as high-performance material in membrane applications.