Structure-Property-Process Relationships in BNNS-Modified PEEK Nanocomposites for High-Performance Applications

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 01 | Page : 867 888
    By

    Ananda M N,

  1. Assistant Professor, Center for Additive Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

This study reports the design and performance evaluation of boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS)-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) nanocomposites fabricated using melt compounding and high-temperature Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). PEEK, a high-performance thermoplastic, was reinforced with BNNS at 0.5–5wt.% to enhance mechanical, thermal, and tribological functionalities for advanced engineering use. Composite filaments were extruded and printed using a modified Bambu Lab FFF printer. Mechanical testing revealed a peak tensile strength of 108 MPa and Young’s modulus of 5.0 GPa at 2 wt.% BNNS, representing respective increases of 17% and 32% over neat PEEK. Flexural strength and modulus improved to 152 MPa and 5.8 GPa, while microhardness reached 23.5 HV (from 18.6 HV). Tribologically, a 42% reduction in wear rate and 36% decrease in coefficient of friction were achieved, attributed to the lamellar morphology and lubricating nature of BNNS. Thermal conductivity rose from 0.25 to 0.38 W/m·K, and the heat deflection temperature increased by ~10 °C, demonstrating the formation of thermally conductive networks. Spectroscopic and morphological analyses (SEM, FTIR, Raman, XRD, XPS) confirmed uniform BNNS dispersion and interfacial interaction. The novelty of this work lies in integrating electrically insulating yet thermally conductive BNNS into PEEK using a scalable, solvent-free FFF approach, optimizing multifunctionality at low filler loadings. These nanocomposites exhibit promising potential for aerospace ducts, electronic housings, and wear-resistant biomedical implants, where strength, heat resistance, and dimensional stability are critical.

Keywords: Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS), fused filament fabrication, nanocomposites, PEEK, thermal conductivity, tribology.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Ananda M N. Structure-Property-Process Relationships in BNNS-Modified PEEK Nanocomposites for High-Performance Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):867-888.
How to cite this URL:
Ananda M N. Structure-Property-Process Relationships in BNNS-Modified PEEK Nanocomposites for High-Performance Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):867-888. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=237570


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Special Issue 01
Received 31/07/2025
Accepted 05/08/2025
Published 24/02/2026
Publication Time 208 Days
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