Non-covalent functionalization at Titanium carbide nano-particles for strengthening the interface with polyaryletherketone matrix for developing high-strength adhesives

In this study, a highly effective cationic polymer, Poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA), was used to bond Titanium Carbide (TiC) nano-particles (NPs) non-covalently with matrix polyaryletherketone (PAEK). Functionalization of PDDA to TiC NPs was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Zeta potential, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). Both TiC NPs (3 wt%) (untreated and PDDA-treated) were added to PAEK, as a filler for reinforcement and elevating friction. The addition of TiC NPs (untreated and treated) in the PAEK led to an improvement in selected performance properties such as thermal stability (by 11 and 13 °C), surface free energy (17 and 29%), and lap shear strength (LSS) (116 and 161%) respectively. Plastic deformation, cup formaion and micro-striation formation were the major failure mechanisms. PDDA treatment to TiC NPs resulted in better and more uniform deagglomeration in the PAEK matrix, strengthened particle-matrix interface, higher surface energy, and hence more adhesion with the adherend. The improved strengthening of both the interfaces (NPs with the matrix and nanocomposite with the metallic adherend) led to an enhanced performance by the treated NPs.