Hybrid nanocomposites based on poly aryl ether ketone, boron carbide and multi walled carbon nanotubes: evaluation of tensile, dynamic mechanical and thermal degradation properties

In this study an attempt has been made to incorporate a radiation resistant filler like boron carbide (B4C) nanopowder along with multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in a high performance polymer namely poly aryl ether ketone (PAEK) for potential applications in the nuclear industry. The dispersion of nanofillers in PAEK was established by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Infra red (IR) spectroscopy indicated the interaction between functionalized MWCNT (F-MWCNT) and PAEK. The optimum combination of B4C and F-MWCNT was obtained from the tensile property analysis. It was found from the dynamic mechanical analysis that the storage modulus of the composite at elevated temperature was enhanced by B4C inclusions. Mechanical damping factor spectra showed the shift of PAEK glass transition temperature to higher values due to the presence of B4C and F-MWCNT. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) presented the resistance offered by B4C to the degradation of PAEK especially at elevated temperatures.