Structural, optical, and mechanical characterization of PMMA-MXene composites functionalized with MEMO silane

Processing and characterization of PMMA-MXene composites were investigated. γ-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy (MEMO) silane was used to modify the surface of MXenes and improve the compatibility between MXenes and the polymer. The FTIR analysis revealed the formation of a chemical bond between MXene and MEMO silane, while the XPS analysis confirmed the presence of silicon in the functionalized MXene. PMMA composites with non-functionalized and functionalized MXene were prepared using a solution casting method. Tensile tests showed that, compared to neat PMMA, Young's modulus increased in both composites by 22.1 and 27.6%, respectively. As a result of coupling between the PMMA matrix and the surface-modified MXenes, the tensile strength also increased by about 37%. In addition, optical spectroscopy showed higher absorption for the composite with surface-modified MXenes and short-lived fluorescence with emission intensity sensitive to the crumpling of functionalized MXene nanosheets.