Attapulgite–MXene Hybrids with Ti3C2Tx Lamellae Surface Modified by Attapulgite as a Mechanical Reinforcement for Epoxy Composites

Abstract

As a member of two-dimensional (2D) materials, MXene is an ideal reinforcement phase for modified polymers due to its large number of polar functional groups on the surface. However, it is still relatively difficult to modify any functional groups on the surface of MXene at present, which limits its application in enhancing some polymers. Herein, one-dimensional (1D) attapulgite (ATP) nanomaterials were introduced onto the surface of MXene to form ATP–MXene hybrids, which successfully improved the mechanical properties of the epoxy composites. ATP with appropriate content can increase the surface roughness of the MXene lamellae to obtain better interface interaction. Therefore, remarkable enhancement on the mechanical property was achieved by adding M02A025 (0.2 wt % MXene and 0.25 wt % ATP), which is the optimum composition in the hybrids for composite mechanical properties. Compared to neat epoxy, the tensile strength, flexural strength and critical stress intensity factor (KIC) of M02A025/epoxy are increased by 88%, 57%, and 195%, respectively, showing a high application prospect.

Preparation and properties of PVC composites filled with walnut shell powder hybrid attapulgite

“…But the matrix's ability to wet the filler affects the tensile strength, 54 and 3A3AT has weaker mechanical properties than 0A3AT because ATP and rough WS particles after alkali treatment increased the specific surface area of fillers, the encapsulation of PVC to fillers reduced, and the internal interface of the composites was discontinuous, which finally lead to the decrease of the mechanical properties of the composites. On the other hand, the shape and particle size of fillers affected the agglomeration tendency and strength of fillers in composites, 52,55 ATP and rough WS particles formed mechanical adhesion in the mixing process and lead to reinforcement agglomeration and stress concentration 56 …”

“…On the other hand, the shape and particle size of fillers affected the agglomeration tendency and strength of fillers in composites, 52,55 ATP and rough WS particles formed mechanical adhesion in the mixing process and lead to reinforcement agglomeration and stress concentration. 56 According to Figure 8, non-alkali treated composites have more pull-out voids, and the interface between the WS and the PVC matrix is weaker and has obvious gaps. The pull-out voids in the composites are minimized after alkali treatment, and the interface is more tightly bonded.…”

Recent Advances in MXene/Epoxy Composites: Trends and Prospects

“…These results are due to the reinforcing effect of the nanofiller bonded to the matrix network, enhancing the stiffness and slowing the T g because of the impact over the crosslink density of the epoxy network. Attapulgite 1D nanorods (ATP, 20 nm diameter) were also recently employed to further functionalize the MTHPA-MXene surface by hydrogen bonding between hydroxyls of ATP and -COOH and hydroxyls from MTHPA-MXene ( Figure 5 a,b) [ 38 ]. Incorporating ATP nanorods increased the storage modulus, but an excess of ATP reduced the mechanical behavior because the ATP/MXene interface was weaker than ATP/ER or MXene/ER interfaces, and some ATP was dispersed into the ER.…”

“…Reprinted with permission from Ref. [ 38 ]. Copyright 2021 MDPI; ( b ) Tensile strength and elastic modulus for ATP-MXene/ER composites.…”

“…Reprinted with permission from Ref. [ 38 ]. Copyright 2021 MDPI; ( c ) Scheme of the preparation of SiO 2 -decorated, MXene-modified carbon fibers.…”