Synthesis, characterization and properties of new poly(triazole-imide)s and their composites with silane-modified nanoclay

Abstract

A new diamine, 4,4′-(4-(4-(quinolin-8-yloxy)phenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diyl)dianiline (6), containing triazole and phenoxyquinoline rings was synthesized, fully characterized and used in reaction with three commercial dianhydrides for preparation of a series of high-performance polymers, poly(triazole-imide)s (PTI). These polymers were characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR, their viscosities were in the range of 0.60–0.62 dL g−1, and they were readily soluble in a variety of organic solvents and formed low-colored and tough thin films via solution casting. PTIs exhibited glass transition temperatures (T g) and 10 % weight loss temperatures (T 10 %) in the range of 270–310 and 450–520 °C, respectively. These functionalized polymers were used in preparation of nanocomposites with silane-modified nanoclay (MNclay) using solution-blending process. Structure and morphology of nanocomposites was characterized by FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The effect of chemical interaction between MNclay and polymer chains on the properties of nanocomposites such as thermal, mechanical and photophysical was investigated. PTIs and nanocomposites were also efficient in removal of heavy metal cations and F− and Cr2O7 2− anions from aqueous solution.