Boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) filled pmma nanofibers as filler for composites

Abstract

Polymethylmethacrylate/Boron nitride nanosheets (PMMA/BNNSs) nanofibers were produced by conducting electrospinning. Various different processing parameters, including applied voltage, flow rate, molecular weight and concentration of PMMA, solvent type, and the distance between collector and syringe were taken into account when aiming at gaining an insight into the resulting surface morphology of electro-spun fiber networks. By the way, to promote the wettability of the fibers with the matrix resin, the surface of the fibers were subjected to silane chemical modification (Vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTS)). Of all the produced nano-fibers, the most promising was selected in terms of thermal properties with respect to the surface morphology findings obtained by SEM examination. The best processing parameters were then accordingly executed to produce the nanofibers to be added to vinyl ester resin. The use of BNNSs in the vinyl ester resin together with PMMA is expected to improve its thermal properties at no expense of mechanical integrity. Final thermal properties of the vinyl ester resin were further investigated using DSC. The results obtained were then discussed in a conscience manner.