Work

Graphene/TiO2-Reinforced Bio-Based Polyamide 11 Hybrid Composites for Lightweight Engineering Applications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The development of sustainable polymer hybrid composites combining high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and improved fire response is essential for lightweight engineering applications. The primary objective of this study was to develop bio-based polyamide 11 (PA11) hybrid composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (Gr) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles to enhance their mechanical, thermal, and fire-response properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed graphene nanoplatelets and TiO2-rich particulate domains distributed within the PA11 matrix, highlighting the hybrid composite morphology and its potential contribution to improved mechanical reinforcement and thermal stability. Hybrid reinforcement enhanced crystallization and thermal stability, increasing crystallization temperature from 158.5 to 163.2 °C and crystallinity from 20.4 to 25.6%. The thermal degradation temperatures (T5%, T10%, and Tmax) increased from 384.5, 398.5, and 434 °C to 411.0, 425.0, and 459 °C, respectively. The highest hybrid loading improved Young’s modulus, yield strength, and tensile strength by approximately 40%, 48%, and 30%, respectively, while DMA demonstrated enhanced thermomechanical stability. Furthermore, peak heat release rate (pHRR) decreased from 610 to 365 W g−1, corresponding to a 40.2% reduction, while the temperature at peak heat release (TpHRR) increased from 438 to 460 °C. These findings highlight the potential of Gr/TiO2-modified bio-based PA11 hybrid composites for sustainable, lightweight engineering applications requiring enhanced mechanical integrity, thermal stability, and fire resistance.

Source: Journal of Composites Science

DOI: 10.3390/jcs10110596

Authors: Usman Saeed, Hamad Al-Turaif, Aqeel Ahmad Taimoor, Sami Ullah Rathur, Hesham Alhumade, Muhammad Ehtisham Siddiqui

Institution: King Abdulaziz University

Language: English

Topic: Polymer Nanocomposites and Properties

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172