On the preparation and properties investigations of highly performant MXene (Ti3C2(OH)2) nanosheets-reinforced phthalonitrile nanocomposites

Taking into consideration the latest advances in both ceramic and polymer fields, a new generation of high-performance polymer composites based on the state-of-the-art MXene (Ti3C2(OH)2) ceramics and one of the leading high-performance thermosets, namely the phthalonitrile resins, is presented. The synergistic combination between the two phases led to nanocomposites exhibiting an outstanding thermal stability with starting decomposition temperatures not less than 484°C for 3 wt% of nanoloading. The tensile properties were as high as those obtained with fiber-reinforced polymer composites. For instance, the tensile strength reached its highest value of 276 MPa for the maximum loading of 3 wt%. The morphological studies carried out by scanning and transmission electron microscopies corroborated the improvements of the thermal and mechanical properties. Undoubtfully, such materials expected to be used in extreme conditions can be seen as the next generation of ceramics-reinforced polymer composites.