Preparation process and properties of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets filled Bisphthalonitrile nanocomposites

Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) filled 4,4'-Bis (3,4-dicyanophenoxy) biphenyl (BPh) nanocomposites were prepared by a resin transfer molding process. The rheological behavior of the BPh pre-polymer, and the morphology and electrical, mechanical and thermal properties of the xGnP/BPh nanocomposites were systematically investigated. The results showed that the xGnP/BPh pre-polymer possessed a higher complex viscosity and storage modulus than the pure BPh and that the xGnP could significantly enhance the mechanical and electrical properties of the resulted nanocomposites. The electrical percolation threshold of the xGnP/BPh nanocomposites was between 5 and 10 wt% xGnP. The flexural strength and modulus of the xGnP/BPh nanocomposites with 10 wt% xGnP exhibited maximum values and their thermal stabilities were greatly improved. Those novel xGnP/BPh nanocomposites could have advanced applications in areas like aerospace and military industry.

► xGnP/BPh nanocomposites were prepared via a cost-effective, resin transfer molding process.
► xGnP exhibited strong impact on the properties of the xGnP/BPh nanocomposites.
► Good dispersion of the xGnP is one of the keys to achieve high performance BPh/xGnP composites.