title: Thermal characterization of polyamide 11/nanographene platelet nanocomposites.
abstract: The objective of this study is to evaluate thermal properties of polyamide 11 (PA11)/nanographene platelet (NGP) nanocomposites. Samples were prepared using 1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt% of NGPs. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was used as a solvent to assist in dispersion of the NGPs within the PA11 powder. The NGPs were hand mixed evenly into the PA11 powder using a wooden dowel. Morphological characterization of the PA11/NGP nanocomposite was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. Thermal characterization of nanocomposites includes thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and thermomechanical analysis. Results indicate that the addition of NGPs shows an initial increase in thermal stability and crystallization temperature (T(c)) along with a decrease in glass transition temperature (T(g)) and no improvement in coefficient of thermal expansion (alpha). These results are attributed to improved interfacial adhesion between NGPs and PA11, restricting polymer chain mobility.
authors: Ingram School of Engineering, Texas State University-San Marcos, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666-4616, USA.
authors: C J
authors: CJ
authors: Jacobs
authors: J S
authors: JS
authors: Tate
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Olson
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Theodoropoulou
authors: J H
authors: JH
authors: Koo