Study of graphene oxide complexed hemicucurbit[6]uril on polypropylene composites: Crystallization behavior, foaming performance, and mechanical properties

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, hemicucurbit[6]uril (HQ6) complexed with graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized through solution method. HQ6@GO was assessed by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, thermal, and X‐ray powder diffraction analysis. Results showed that HQ6 and GO bound together by noncovalent bond force. Polypropylene (PP) foaming material was processed through injection molding with azodicarbonamide as the foaming agent and HQ6@GO as the nucleating agent. The effect of HQ6@GO on the properties of the PP composite material, such as crystallization was assessed. Result showed that HQ6@GO can increase the crystallization rate, and the crystallinity was increased from 37.26% for pure PP to 43.24% for PP/HQ6@GO composites. HQ6@GO showed the best foaming nucleation effect, with 1.0 wt% addition of HQ6@GO, the average cell size decreased by about three times, and the cell density was increased by about 10 times compared with pure PP. The tensile and impact properties of the foamed composite material were systematically studied. Particles with well dispersion and improved quality of cells could improve the mechanical strength of composites.