In this work, we demonstrate a method for synthesis of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnPs)/poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN) nanocomposites via an efficient in situ polymerization. The GnPs were treated by the ultrasonic bath to reduce the layers of the GnPs, where the PEN were intercalated subsequently. Therefore, the dispersion of xGnP in the PEN resin was enhanced through in situ polymerization, which was characterized and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was found that the tensile strength and modulus were greatly enhanced with the addition of xGnP. For 2.5 wt% of xGnP-reinforced PEN, the tensile strength and modulus were increased to 115 MPa and 3121 MPa, respectively. Owing to the well dispersion of xGnP, the low rheological percolation of 2.5 wt% for PEN nanocomposites was obtained. Besides, with 1 wt% of xGnP, the corresponding initial decomposition temperature (Tin) increased from 451°C in pure PEN to 470°C. The addition of xGnP showed enhanced thermal stability of PEN nanocomposites, which demonstrated a promising method for preparing advanced polymer-based nanocomposites.
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