Polyimide nanocomposites based on functionalized graphene sheets: Morphologies, thermal properties, and electrical and thermal conductivities

• PI films were prepared by reacting BPADA and p-BAPB.
• The PBA-GS used as a filler for the preparation of the PI nanocomposite film.
• PI nanocomposite films contain different amounts of PBA-GS (0–10 wt%).
• Properties of PI nanocomposite films were examined with different PBA-GS loadings.

Polyimide (PI) films were prepared by reacting 4,4′-(4,4′-isopropylidene-diphenoxy)-bis(phthalic anhydride) and 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene. The 4-phenylbutylamine-functionalized graphene sheets (PBA-GSs) used for the preparation of the PI nanocomposite films were prepared by mixing a dispersion of graphite oxide with a solution of the ammonium salt of 4-phenylbutylamine (PBA). PI nanocomposite films containing different amounts of PBA-GS (0–10 wt%) were compared in terms of their morphologies, thermal properties, and electrical and thermal conductivities. Only a small amount of PBA-GS was required to improve the thermal properties and thermal conductivities of the PI; the maximum enhancements in these parameters were observed at 1 and 3 wt% PBA-GS, respectively. In contrast, the electrical conductivity of the PI hybrid films continued to increase with increasing PBA-GS content from 1 to 10 wt%.

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