Periodic Functionalization of Graphene-Layered Alumina Nanofibers with Aromatic Thermosetting Copolyester via Epitaxial Step-Growth Polymerization

In situ epitaxial step-growth polymerization driven interfacial functionalization of aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) with multilayered graphene wrapped alumina nanofiber surface is reported. During a thermal condensation polymerization, ATSP dip-coated fiber strands develop a nanohybrid shish–kebab structure with periodically assembled and off-surface grown micrometer-scale lamella ATSP domains. A mechanism combining the Plateau–Rayleigh instability, the Marangoni effect, and the epitaxial growth phenomena is proposed to elucidate controlling parameters in the process. X-ray diffraction measurements clearly demonstrate the formation of a mesomorphic lamella phase not present within either the neat ATSP or pristine fiber samples. Results of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and thermogravimetric analysis reveal the development of an interfacial coupling between the graphene-coated ceramic nanofibers and the ATSP matrix.