Mixing sequence driven controlled dispersion of graphene oxide in PC/PMMA blend nanocomposite and its effect on thermo-mechanical properties

Abstract

Herein, we report an efficient approach for the fabrication of polymer blend nanocomposites with well-dispersed graphene oxide in polycarbonate (PC)/poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) through melt compounding under the controlled temperature and pressure. Graphene oxide was synthesized by Improved Hummer's method and consequently dispersed in PC and PMMA through different mixing sequences to access their dispersion in the blend nanocomposites. Thermo-mechanical investigations indicate ∼119.4% increase in tensile strength, ∼64.87% increase in the Young's modulus and ∼16.3% increase in glass transition value for the sample prepared by mixing GO first with PMMA and then with PC, in comparison to neat blend. This reinforcement in thermo-mechanical properties of sample prepared by mixing GO first with PMMA and then with PC, on incorporation of 1% of graphene oxide (by weight) is due to the effective interfacial adhesion and uniform load transfer at the interfaces of polymer blend nanocomposites. Furthermore, Thermogravimetric analysis showed a remarkable decrease in weight loss at elevated temperature for the nanocomposites, which confirms the role of graphene oxide on thermal stability of PNCs. The fabricated blend nanocomposites are ecofriendly, cost effective and can be used for various industrial applications where elevated temperature is required.