Interaction and thermal studies on graphene oxide in NC/DEGDN/GO nanocomposites.

Prima Kharisma Indra Yahya,Philip P Gill,Mohammed Moniruzzaman

doi:10.1039/c9ra07717k

Prima Kharisma Indra Yahya, Philip P Gill + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1039/c9ra07717k

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Abstract

Before considering the uses of graphene oxide (GO) in nitrate ester-based materials for performance and safety improvement, its interaction, compatibility and dispersion with the host matrices need to be well understood. This work addresses the interaction and dispersity of GO with nitrocellulose (NC)/diethylene glycol dinitrate (DEGDN)-based nanocomposites. The GO and DEGDN were successfully synthesised and characterised. The NC/DEGDN proved to be a good hosting matrix for the dispersion of GO nanosheets. Analysis of atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that the thicknesses of dispersed GO were in the range of 1–4 nm suggesting that the GO in the nanocomposite consists of 1–2 layers for a 0.5% w/w GO containing nanocomposite and 2–4 layers for a 0.75% w/w nanocomposite. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy analysis established red-shifting of 744 to 752 cm−1 for the O–NO2 bond stretching vibrations, indicating bond stabilization by donor electron from the GO. The Raman spectra analysis showed GO peaks blue-shifting and broadening which is attributed to hydrogen bonding interaction between GO sheets and –NO2 groups. The activation energy of nitrate ester decomposition of NC/DEGDN/GO nanocomposites increases as a function of GO content from 167 kJ mol−1 and reaches a maximum of 214 kJ mol−1 for a 0.5% w/w GO loading. This suggests an improvement of the nitrate ester bond stability. These findings open a new direction to the application of GO in nitrate ester-based materials for increased stability, safety and shelf life.

Highlights

Graphene oxide (GO) is a hydrophilic oxygenated form of 2D lattice sp2-bonded carbon atoms
Graphene has a very high surface area of 2630–2965 m2 gÀ1.5 The unique properties of graphene allow it to be a good reinforcement for polymers, composites,[6] and to date graphene and its derivates have been applied in various polymers to achieve high reinforcement efficiency.[7,8,9]
The peaks at 1620 cmÀ1 and 1270 cmÀ1 remains unchanged in NC/diethylene glycol dinitrate (DEGDN) upon addition of GO, peak at 814 red shi ed to 808 cmÀ1 suggesting interaction of nitrate ester with the GO and that GO contributed electron to the electron de cient O–NO2 group making O–N bond more stable.[28,29]

Summary

Introduction

Graphene oxide (GO) is a hydrophilic oxygenated form of 2D lattice sp2-bonded carbon atoms. The activation energy of nitrate ester decomposition of NC/ DEGDN/GO nanocomposites increases as a function of GO content from 167 kJ molÀ1 and reaches a maximum of 214 kJ molÀ1 for a 0.5% w/w GO loading.

Results

Conclusion