Effect of graphene nanoplatelet and multi-walled carbon nanotube additives on polyphenylene sulfide nanocomposites

Abstract

The performance of current materials remains inadequate in the face of advancing technology and challenging working conditions. Due to the advantages and versatility, they offer, composite materials are utilized in numerous industries. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) has attracted significant interest in the aerospace industry due to its lightweight, high strength, high-temperature resistance, availability, and mechanical and physical properties. In this study, PPS was reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to enhance its mechanical properties. Composite materials were produced by mixing PPS matrix material with nanofillers at different weight ratios and then subjected to compression molding. The specified tests were applied to the produced composite materials. When the thermal conductivity properties are examined, it is observed that there is a 490% increase when 10 wt% GNP is added, and a 45% increase when 10 wt% MWCNT is added. When 10 wt% of MWCNT is added to pure PPS, it has been observed that electrical conductivity at mid-frequency measurements increases by 222 % making it a conductive material. Uniform nanofiller distribution is crucial for optimal impact and mechanical performance. Agglomeration reduces properties such as tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance.