5-aminobenzimidazole@graphene oxide nanosheets doped polyimide nanocomposites: Low-temperature curing and improved mechanical properties

The preparation of polyimide matrix composites with low curing temperature and high mechanical properties is of great importance. In this study, a low-cost and multi-functional nanofiller, 5-aminobenzimidazole grafted graphene oxide (5-ABZ@GO) has been designed. By nucleophilic attack on 5-aminobenzimidazole basic groups and doping of GO, the above requirements of polyimide composites were skillfully realized. The results show that when the addition of 5-ABZ@GO is 1%, the 5-ABZ@GO/PI nanocomposites can achieve complete imidized at 200°C. Moreover, the nanocomposite prepared by imidization at 200°C has good mechanical and thermal properties (tensile strength is 141.64 MPa, modulus is 6.05 GPa, T 5% is as high as 543.5°C), which is better than the PI composites prepared at 320°C. This study provides an innovative approach to preparing polyimide composites that meet mechanical performance requirements while utilizing comparatively lower curing temperatures, low curing temperature polyimide resins provide a new path for integrated composites with structure–function integration.