Polyaniline-functionalized MoS2 nanosheets/carbon fiber network for structural and functional integration of composites

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (CF/PEEK) composites hold significant potential for applications in the aerospace and electronic device industries, where excellent structural and functional integration is required. In this work, we functionalized the MoS₂ nanosheets/CF network with polyaniline (PANI). The MoS₂ nanosheets, acting as a foundation, mechanically interlock with the matrix. Subsequently, the functionalization with PANI enables the formation of π-π interactions between the PANI nanocoating and the matrix, and they exhibit excellent interfacial compatibility. This approach leads to superior interfacial structural properties, with an interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) as high as 96.62 MPa. The excellent interfacial performance is the foundation for developing functional properties. The PANI-functionalized MoS₂ nanosheets/CF network enhances the transfer efficiency of phonons and electrons through a “face-to-point” correlation, achieving a thermal conductivity (TC) of up to 0.87 W/mK. The unique multilayer heterostructure and high electrical conductivity endow it with outstanding electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance, with a total shielding effectiveness (SE_T) of 40.71 dB. Additionally, the composite exhibits excellent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption properties, with a minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of −49 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.16 GHz. By designing the interfacial structure through PANI-functionalized MoS₂ nanosheets/CF network, the composite achieves excellent interfacial, thermal, and electromagnetic protection properties, realizing structural and functional integration. This approach provides a highly promising direction for the advancement of multifunctional materials.