Abstract
The superlative mechanical properties of graphene-based materials make them the ideal filler materials for polymer composites reinforcement. Two types of graphene-based materials, graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), were used as nanofiller in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymer matrix, as well as plasticized PLA. The addition of rGO into PLA or plasticized PLA substantially enhanced the tensile strength without deteriorating elasticity, compared to xGnP nanocomposites. In addition, the investigation of the thermal properties has found that the presence of rGO in the system is very beneficial for improving thermal stability of the PLA or plasticized PLA. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the rGO nanocomposites display homogenous and good uniformity morphology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the rGO remained intact as graphene sheet layers and were dispersed well into the polymer matrix, and it was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) results, which shows no graphitic peak in the XRD pattern.
Highlights
The discovery of new nano-material graphene by Andre Geim in 2004 [1], attracted worldwide interest among researchers
It should be noted that, the significant characteristic peaks of Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were still dominant upon addition of both xGnP and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)
Micrographs of PLA/rGO, PLA/epoxidized palm oil (EPO)/rGO, and PLA/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/rGO are shown in Figure 10b,d,f respectively, which revealed that the rGO remained intact as graphene sheet layer and were dispersed into the polymer matrix
Summary
The discovery of new nano-material graphene by Andre Geim in 2004 [1], attracted worldwide interest among researchers. Graphene, which is fabricated from natural graphite, can be used as a potential alternative nano-reinforcement element to both clays and carbon nanotubes, which can provide excellent functional properties enhancements [2]. XGnPs are prepared by intercalating graphite either with metal ions or by acid treatment, which is further exfoliated via thermal treatment. It has a similar layered structure compared to clay, but with better mechanical properties. The properties enhancement in polymer nanocompoistes strongly depends on the number of layers stacked in xGnPs, the degree of crystallinity in the graphitic plane, their aspect ratio, and the order of staking [15].
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