Structural, optical and mechanical characterization of PMMA- MXene composites functionalized with MEMO silane

Abstract

Processing and characterization of PMMA-MXene composites were investigated.γ-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy(MEMO) silane was usedto modify the surface of MXenesand improve the compatibility between MXenes and the polymer. The FTIR analysis revealed the formation of a chemical bond between MXene and MEMO silane, while the XPS analysis confirmed the presence of silicon in the functionalized MXene.PMMA composites with non-functionalized and functionalized MXene were prepared using a solution casting method. Tensile testsshowed that,compared to neat PMMA, Young’smodulusincreasedin both composites by 22.1%and 27.6%, respectively. As a result of coupling between the PMMA matrix and the surface-modified MXenes, thetensile strength also increased by about 37%.In addition, optical spectroscopy showed higher absorption for the composite with surface-modifiedMXenes and short-livedfluorescence with emission intensity sensitive to the crumpling of functionalized MXene nanosheets.