Ethynyl-functionalized BNNT and preparation of polyarylene-BNNT nanocomposites

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) were successfully functionalized with ethynyl groups using hypervalent iodine. High molecular weight polyarylene was synthesized via microwave-assisted polymerization. Polyarylene-BNNT nanocomposite materials were prepared and characterized for the first time. Thermal stability in air of the nanocomposites was excellent. The functionalization of nanotubes as described opens a new pathway to future materials in the defense, aerospace, automotive, and biomedical fields.