Synthesis and properties of a copolymer of poly(l,4-phenylene sulfide)–poly(2,4-phenylene sulfide acid) and its nano-apatite reinforced composite

A new kind of copolymer of poly(1,4-phenylene sulfide)–poly(2,4-phenylene sulfide acid) (PPS–PPSA) and its nano-apatite (NA) composite have been obtained by polycondensation in l-methly-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). The NA content in the composite can reach 60 wt.%. The structures and properties of copolymer and its NA composite were studied though infrared spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy. The copolymer has high molecular weight and excellent thermal properties. There is a stable interface formed between NA and PPS–PPSA copolymer in the composite. NA keeps the original morphological structure and crystal behavior in the composite. The composites have good homogeneity and outstanding thermal stability. NA particles are uniformly distributed in the composite. The diameter of apatite in the composite is about 40–60 nm. The PPSA in the copolymer can increase the affinity to apatite and does not decrease the melting point and thermal stability of copolymer.