Linear low-density polyethylene nanocomposites reinforced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with hyperbranched poly(ether-ketone)s

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) functionalized with hyperbranched poly(ether-ketone)s (H-f-M) were prepared through in-situ polymerization and Friedel–Crafts acylation between MWCNT and 3,5-diphenoxy benzoic acid. The resultant H-f-M displayed very good dispersion and compatibility with the LLDPE matrix due to the hyperbranched poly(ether-ketone)s functional groups. H-f-M@LLDPE_X nanocomposites prepared through a solution mixing method with the H-f-M as a filler, exhibited exceptional performance, particularly in terms of mechanical properties and thermal stability. Among them, the H-f-M@LLDPE_2 nanocomposites stood out as the most promising because they demonstrated a remarkable increase in tensile strength, Young’s modulus, tensile toughness, and elongation, by 39.0%, 32.7%, 48.1%, and 18.5%, respectively, compared to the pure LLDPE. Given its excellent performance and straightforward functionalization, the H-f-M with hyperbranched polymers shows promise as a novel reinforcing filler for polymer applications.