Interfacial enhancement of maleated polypropylene/silica composites using graphene oxide

Abstract

AbstractGraphene oxide (GO) is derived from oxidization of natural graphite and contains many active groups. These active groups make GO a potential compatibilizer for polymer blends or coupling agent for polymer composites. In this work, a novel core‐shell structured hybrid submicroparticles of graphene oxide‐encapsulated silica (GO‐SiO2) were fabricated using GO sheets via an electrostatic assembly between ultrathin negatively charged graphene oxide sheets and positively charged amino‐modified silica. The possible application of this new hybrid filler was explored in preparation of maleated polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA)/GO‐SiO2 composites. The microstructure and interface enhancement of the prepared composites were analyzed by SEM, TEM, OM, TGA, FTIR, and DMA measurements. A uniform dispersion of GO‐SiO2 hybrids, enhanced interfacial adhesion and improved mechanical property were evidenced. The reason might be that graphene oxide can be covalently assembled onto the amino‐modified silica surface, and simultaneously it provides strong interaction with the PP‐g‐MA due to similar polarity or possible hydrogen bonding. This work suggests a potential application of graphene oxide‐encapsulated particle in preparation of high performance polymer composites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012