High-performance thermoplastic composites poly(ether ketone ketone)/silver nanowires: Morphological, mechanical and electrical properties

• A low percolation threshold was obtained with silver nanowires: 0.6 vol%.
• The influence of silver nanowires was observed on crystallinity.
• A high electrical conductivity value was reached above percolation threshold: 100 S ⋅ m− 1.
• Mechanical properties have been preserved until 2 vol%.

High-performance conductive thermoplastic composites poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK)/silver nanowires were elaborated by melt blending. Silver nanowires (AgNWs) with high aspect ratio (ξ~220) were elaborated through the polyol process in presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and ethylene glycol. Scanning electron microscopy observations of nanowires were performed after an adapted cleaning process. The dispersion of NWs in the polymeric matrix was evaluated. A very low percolation threshold of 0.6 vol% was obtained. Electrical conductivity values obtained above the percolation threshold were among the highest measured for low-filled conductive polymer composites. The influence of AgNWs on the PEKK matrix has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analyses. It is important to note that thermal and dynamic mechanical performances of the polymeric matrix were preserved in composites.