Periodic Functionalization of Graphene-Layered Alumina Nanofibers with Aromatic Thermosetting Copolyester via Epitaxial Step-Growth Polymerization

Bakir M., Meyer J. L., Hussainova I., Sutrisno A., Economy J., Jasiuk I.

Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, vol.218, no.24, 2017 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 218 Issue: 24
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/macp.201700338
  • Journal Name: Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: aromatic thermosetting copolyesters, epitaxial polymerization, multilayer graphene-layered alumina nanofibers, nanohybrid shish–kebab, periodic functionalization
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: No

Abstract

In situ epitaxial step-growth polymerization driven interfacial functionalization of aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) with multilayered graphene wrapped alumina nanofiber surface is reported. During a thermal condensation polymerization, ATSP dip-coated fiber strands develop a nanohybrid shish–kebab structure with periodically assembled and off-surface grown micrometer-scale lamella ATSP domains. A mechanism combining the Plateau–Rayleigh instability, the Marangoni effect, and the epitaxial growth phenomena is proposed to elucidate controlling parameters in the process. X-ray diffraction measurements clearly demonstrate the formation of a mesomorphic lamella phase not present within either the neat ATSP or pristine fiber samples. Results of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and thermogravimetric analysis reveal the development of an interfacial coupling between the graphene-coated ceramic nanofibers and the ATSP matrix.