Effect of morphology and structure of MXene Ti3C2Tx on mechanical, thermal properties of PEEK nanocomposite

As a new type of 2D nanomaterials, MXene can improve the thermal, mechanical, and tribological performance of polymers as a reinforcing additive. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the impact of the morphology and structure of MXene on the performance of nanocomposite. In this study, MXene Ti3C2Tx with different morphologies was prepared and the effect of morphologies on the mechanical, thermal and creep properties was explored. Mechanical test results illustrate that the addition of MXene Ti3C2Tx fillers contributes to the improvement of mechanical properties. Among the three fillers, d-Ti3C2Tx exhibit a better reinforcement effect in PEEK than m-Ti3C2Tx and f-Ti3C2Tx, which are greatly related to the morphology of the MXene Ti3C2Tx, the interface and defects between the PEEK and the MXene Ti3C2Tx. After adding MXene to the PEEK matrix, the internal friction of PEEK molecule segment motion would aggrandize and the composites would deform and take longer relaxation times. Due to the larger interface between d-Ti3C2Tx and the matrix, the composite material exhibits the smallest creep strain magnitude and permanent deformation behavior after recovery. However, the high activity of 2D MXene nanomaterials resulted in a decrease in the thermal stability of PEEK.