High-performance para-aramid paper strengthened by ultrafine fiber pulp of polyphenylene sulfide

Abstract Owing to its excellent heat resistance, lightness, insulation, and mechanical properties, aramid paper has been widely used in aerospace, rail transit, military, and other high-tech areas. With the rapid development of modern industries, para-aramid paper-based materials have become the development direction and trend of the specialty paper industry. In this study, para-aramid chopped fibers/polyphenylene sulfide (ACFs/PPS) composite paper sheets were fabricated by modern wet papermaking. The tensile strength, tensile index, and tear index of the hot-pressed ACFs/PPS composite paper sheets were substantially improved, reaching 103.5 MPa, 80.9 N m/g, and 119.1 mN m2/g under optimal speed of hot-pressing roller (0.2 m/min), hot-pressing temperature (310 °C), hot-pressing pressure (0.2 MPa), and ACFs content (70 wt%). The mechanical properties of hot-pressed ACF/PPS composite paper were markedly superior. Besides, the dielectric constant of the composite paper remained stable even when the temperature reached 100 °C. Briefly stated, ACFs/PPS composite paper exhibits desirable mechanical performance, thermostability, high breakdown strength, and low dielectric constant, delivering great potentials in the high-tech areas.