Abstract
In order to obtain the unique properties of graphene-based composites, to realize homogeneous dispersion of graphene throughout the polymer matrix remains the key challenge. In this work, edge-oxidized graphene/polypropylene (EOGr/PP) composites with well-dispersed EOGr in PP matrix, synchronously exhibiting high electrical conductivity and thermal property, were simply fabricated for the first time using a novel strategy by in situ artificial PP latex preparation in the presence of EOGr based on solution-emulsification technique. The good dispersion state of EOGr in the PP matrix was demonstrated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A blue shift in Raman G peak of the EOGr nanosheets was observed in the EOGr/PP composites, indicating the strong interactions between the EOGr nanosheets and the PP matrix. The onset crystallization and crystallization peak temperatures increased as the EOGr loading increases due to its good nucleating ability. An improved thermal stability of EOGr/PP composites was observed as evaluated by TGA. The EOGr/PP composites showed an insulator-to-conductor percolation transition in between that of 1 and 2 wt% EOGr content. Such strategy provides a very effective pathway to fabricate high-performance nonpolar polymer/graphene composites with excellent dispersion state of graphene.
Highlights
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most common thermoplastics which has been widely used in many fields
We reported for the first time a novel strategy for the preparation of graphene/PP composites through latex technology
In order to fabricate well-dispersed edge-oxidized graphene/polypropylene (EOGr/PP) composites through latex technology, a novel strategy by in situ artificial PP latex preparation based on the solutionemulsification technique in the presence of edgeoxidized multilayer graphene (EOGr) was employed for the first time and the schematic representation of fabricating the composites is presented in Scheme 1
Summary
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most common thermoplastics which has been widely used in many fields. On the other hand, using directly RGO or pristine FLG prevents the need for a reduction step, but they are not stable in water without the aid of stabilizers, which makes it difficult to prepare a stable suspension and secure the composite morphology. The strong interactions between EOGr nanosheets and PP matrix taking place through the bridging of emulsifiers made EOGr nanosheets prefer adsorbing onto the surface of PP latex particles, facilitating the uniform dispersion of EOGr throughout PP matrix Both the electrical conductivity and thermal stability of the obtained EOGr/PP composites were improved remarkably by introducing EOGr. The preparation of an artificial polymer latex in the presence of graphene provides a promising approach to produce high-performance nonpolar polymer composites with graphene as the nanofiller
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