Nanocomposites of Thermosetting Polymers and Graphene Quantum Dots—Physical Attributes and Ongoing Progressions

Abstract

Thermosets, before hardening, consist of independent macromolecules similar to thermoplastics, however, chemical curing of these macromolecules via heat or radiations may form irreversibly crosslinked macromolecular networks between their main chains. Graphene quantum dots are inimitable spherical nano-entities having the advantages of extremely small sizes, of 5-10 nm, very high surface area, surface/edge effects, quantum confinements and a range of physical characteristics including semiconductivity, fluorescence and magnetic properties. Similar to other nanocarbons (like graphene, fullerene or nanodiamonds), graphene quantum dots have been examined as noteworthy nanofillers to enhance the essential physical features of various macromolecular matrices, such as thermosets, thermoplastics and rubbers. Consequently, this review article was intended to systematically discuss the existing scientific state of graphene quantum dots reinforced thermosetting macromolecular matrices for the formation of high performance nanomaterials. According to the literature reports, the type, amount and molecular weight of these macromolecules seemed to affect the epoxy-quantum dots interactions and physical properties, like strength and heat stability of the resulting nanomaterials. Moreover, including graphene quantum dots in thermosetting matrices, like epoxies, hyperbranched polyesters and hyperbranched polyurethanes, has positively influenced the engineering aspects (mainly mechanical and thermal attributes) of the resulting nanocomposites owing to their interactions, compatibility and interfacial tendencies toward these matrices. Principally, epoxy/graphene quantum dots nanocomposites have been fabricated and investigated for the effects of graphene quantum nano-entities on the physical property enhancements of these irreversibly crosslinked macromolecules due to their mutual matrix-nanofiller interfaces. As per our analysis, the literature hitherto on the graphene quantum dots reinforced thermosetting matrix nanocomposites has disclosed significant property improvements of these macromolecules and their promising technological applications for high performance anticorrosion coatings, electromagnetic interference shields and biomedical fields.