Influence of bio‐resource‐derived graphene oxide on the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites

Abstract

AbstractThe present study reports on an environment‐friendly and economically viable method of synthesizing graphene oxide (GO) using agricultural waste, specifically oak (Quercus ilex) fruit. The agricultural waste‐derived GO (AGO) is further used as a reinforcing filler in the fabrication of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer nanocomposites by employing a solution‐mixing process. A series of characterization methods have been used to assess the interactions between AGO and PVA, including, Raman spectroscopy, FT‐IR, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy‐dispersive x‐ray (EDX). The thermal and structural properties have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)analysis, and a universal testing machine (UTM). The strong H‐bonding interaction between the PVA interface and AGO considerably enhanced interfacial dispersion and adhesion. As a result, the addition of 5 wt% AGO to the PVA polymers significantly improved their mechanical and thermal properties, including tensile strength which rose by 117%, melting temperature (Tm) by 7.02°C, and crystallization temperature (Tc) by 9.06°C. The thermal decomposition temperatures such as T5%, T10% and T50% were increased by 53.68°C, 68.49°C, and 57.37°C, respectively. The results show that a small loading of nanofillers causes substantial increases in the thermal and mechanical properties of PVA, thus making it a promising material for structural applications.