Modified TiO2@graphene oxide and montmorillonite synergistically enhanced multifunctional nanocomposite films

Abstract

AbstractThe application of polymers in packaging is still limited due to the problems of poor gas barrier and flame retardant properties. Herein, a modified TiO2 (m‐TiO2)@graphene oxide (GO)/montmorillonite (MMT) filler‐reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐based nanocomposite films with excellent gas barrier, flame retardant, and mechanical properties is fabricated through a simple method of solution casting. In this system, GO and MMT act as bricks, PVA sticks them together like glue, and they together form a brick‐wall structure. By adding these fillers, the oxygen permeability rate (Po2) of this film is 0.48 × 10−18 cm3•cm/(cm2•s•Pa), less than that of pure PVA film by 97%, and the water vapor permeability rate () of the nanocomposite film is 1.21 × 10−13 g•cm/(cm2•s•Pa), less than that of pure PVA film by 86%. In addition, the flame retardant properties of m‐TiO2@GO/MMT/PVA nanocomposite films are excellent, which self‐extinguishes as long as the flame taken away, different from pure PVA film, which is completely burned. Moreover, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films are also significantly improved. The nanocomposites with environment‐friendly raw materials, simple manufacturing processes, and excellent performance should have good applications in the packaging and coating industries.