Preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites with molybdenum disulfide (MoS2): structural characteristics and markedly enhanced properties

Abstract

As a graphene-like layered nano-material, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) has gained much attention from the materials fields. In our research, MoS₂/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposites are prepared by solvent blending method. The morphology, thermal properties, fire resistance properties and mechanical properties of the PVA/MoS₂ nanocomposites are studied. MoS₂ is homogeneously dispersed and partially exfoliated in the PVA matrix as indicated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicate improved the thermal decomposition temperature and the glass transition temperature (T_g). The thermal degradation temperature is increased by 20–40 °C. Meanwhile, the peak of heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) are decreased by 33% and 20%, respectively. Storage modulus at 40 °C is increased by 28%, and the tensile strength is increased by 24% upon addition of 1 wt% and 5 wt% MoS₂. The improvements in the thermal properties, fire resistance properties and mechanical properties of PVA nanocomposites are attributed to the good dispersion of MoS₂, physical barrier effects of MoS₂ and strong interactions between PVA and MoS₂.