Aminated-diamond integrated poly(methyl methacrylate) fibers reinforced epoxy composites with enhanced structural, thermal, and mechanical properties

Diamines are used for the modification of surface of pristine monocrystalline diamond particles for better interfacial interaction. Chemically modified diamond particles are integrated into the fibers of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by using electrospinning method. The agglomeration of diamond particles is restricted by electrospinning technique and uniform distribution is achieved in PMMA under electric field. Comparative analysis is done of the effect of two different reagents used for modification of pristine diamond particles and on thermal and structural characteristics of PMMA fibers. The diameters of fibers and morphology of diamond loaded PMMA fibers are assessed by applied voltage, diamond content polymer concentration and flow rate. The effect of different modified diamond structures on the functioning of PMMA electrospun fibers in the epoxy-resin was studied by employing flexural experiments on samples created by classical procedure. The loading of pure PMMA electrospun fibers into the epoxy-resin indicated growth in flexural strength and modulus by 17.7% and 10.9%, respectively. Conversely, the loading of hydrazine functionalized diamond particles into PMMA fibers increased the flexural strength and modulus by 20.7% and 17.41%, respectively. On the other hand, by the reinforcing of ethylenediamine functionalized diamond particles into PMMA fibers enhanced flexural strength and modulus by 18.7% and 16.42%, respectively. This increase in mechanical characteristics is ascribed to the consistent dissemination and efficient interface between PMMA matrix and modified diamond particles and which transmit load effectively to the reinforcement in epoxy matrix.