Fast and highly efficient one-pot synthesis of polyoxadiazole/carbon nanotube nanocomposites in mild acid

Abstract

Sulfonated poly(4,4′-diphenylether-1,3,4-oxadiazole) (POD) composites have been successfully prepared through solution polycondensation of 4,4′-diphenylether dicarboxylic acid and hydrazine sulfate. The reactions were performed in the presence of various types of pristine carbon nanotubes, i.e. single-, double- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, using mild poly(phosphoric acid) as a condensing agent. The POD composites with high molecular weight (of the order of 105 g mol−1) were highly soluble in polar aprotic solvents and thermally stable at temperatures as high as 475 °C. The synthesis method used guaranteed an improved interaction between filler and matrix, thus allowing an enhanced load transfer. The overall performance of the composites was enhanced due to a synergistic reinforcement effect. The nanocomposites exhibited an increase of +33% in storage modulus, +56% in tensile strength and +245% in tensile energy to break.