Poly(benzimidazole) functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/100% acidified poly(hydroxyaminoether) composites: Synthesis, characterization and properties

Poly [2,2′-(p-oxydiphenylene)-5,5′-benzimidazole] (OPBI) functionalized MWNTs (MWNTs-g-OPBI) were firstly prepared via Friedel–Crafts acylation reaction in PPMA as medium. The overall evidences based on the data from FT-IR, Raman, TGA as well as TEM implicated that the OPBI chains were successfully linked to the surface of MWNTs. The obtained MWNTs-g-OPBI were then used as reinforced fillers in 100% acidified poly(hydroxyaminoether) (A-PHAE) to prepare A-PHAE/MWNTs-g-OPBI composites. The acid–base interaction between the OPBI chains attached on MWNTs and A-PHAE played a crucial role in good dispersion of MWNTs-g-OPBI in the polymer matrix and effective reinforcement of A-PHAE.