Polyamide-12/Functionalized Carbon Nanofiber Composites: Evaluation of Thermal and Mechanical Properties

This work aims at improving the interfacial bonding between polyamide-12 and CNFs. CNFs were oxidized and dispersed in polyamide-12 giving rise to polymer nanocomposites. The oxidation caused an increase in the specific surface area and structural defects of the fibers, as indicated by surface area and Fourier-transform Raman spectroscopy. The nanocomposites exhibited improved thermal and thermo-oxidative stabilities. The oxidized nanofibers had marginal effect on the crystallinity and crystallization of the polyamide-12. An over-proportional enhancement of stiffness due to the fibers could be achieved. In spite of these improvements the fiber/polymer adhesion should be further improved.