Synthesis and characterization of Cu–MoS2 hybrids and their influence on the thermal behavior of polyvinyl chloride composites

Abstract

In this work, Cu–MoS₂ hybrids were synthesized by a facile wet chemical method. The structure and morphology of the synthesized hybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements. Subsequently, the hybrids were introduced into a polyvinyl chloride matrix to act as a thermal stabilizer. The hybrids were well dispersed in the matrix and no obvious aggregation was observed. The obtained nanocomposites exhibited significant improvements in thermal stability and inhibited the release of pyrolysis products effectively, which were mainly attributed to the enhancement of char formation, a physical barrier effect of the MoS₂ nanosheets and an inhibition effect of the Cu nanoparticles.