Advancing Compatibility and Interfacial Interaction Between PEEK and GNPs Through a Strategic Approach Using Pyrene-Functionalized PDMAEMA-b-PMMA Copolymer

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), known for its high heat and chemical resistance and excellent mechanical properties, is extensively utilized, particularly as a metal substitute, in the automotive industry. Although PEEK exhibits outstanding properties, enhancements are essential to improve its practical performance. In this study, we aimed to improve the performance of PEEK by incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and optimizing their dispersion through non-covalent functionalization. We synthesized pyrene-functionalized poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (py-PDMAEMA-b-PMMA) as a compatibilizer of PEEK and GNPs and investigated the thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of the PEEK/GNP composites-GNPs treated with py-PDMAEMA-b-PMMA (F-GNP) and untreated GNPs (pristine GNPs, P-GNP). The F-GNP composites exhibited higher crystallinity and tensile strength than the P-GNP composites, with the best performance observed at a GNP content of 0.1 wt.%. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the enhanced tribological behavior (including a low friction coefficient and reduced abrasive wear) of the F-GNP composites. These enhancements were attributed to the improved interfacial bonding and uniform stress distribution enabled by py-PDMAEMA-b-PMMA. These findings highlight the potential of F-GNP composites to expand the application scope of PEEK to fields requiring superior mechanical performance, such as the automotive and electronics industries.