Publication

Abstract : This study involves the development and thermo-mechanical characterization of the individual, binary, and ternary nanocomposites using radiation resistant fillers like boron carbide (B4C), tungsten carbide (WC), and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (F-MWCNT) in a high performance polymer, namely, poly aryl ether ketone (PAEK). Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed the distribution and dispersion of nanofillers in the matrix. It has been observed that the presence of WC and F-MWCNT in PAEK matrix significantly enhanced the tensile strength of the composite whereas B4C made it stiff and brittle in nature. The tensile property improvement caused by WC and F-MWCNT has been correlated with the tensile fracture surface morphology studies. Dynamic mechanical analysis provided insight into the positive effect of nanofillers in delaying the relaxation of polymer chains. The thermogravimetric analysis gave indications on the increase in the thermal stability of the nanocomposites with the increase of nanofillers content.