Presence Of Graphene Nanoplatelets Research Articles

Mechanical, Fracture, and Thermal Characterization of Post-Cured Hybrid Epoxy Nanocomposites Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets and h-Boron Nitride

The post-curing process of cured composites is essential in enhancing the strength, stiffness, elevating the glass transition temperature, and reducing residual stress in polymer thermoset composites. The curing temperature and time are the key factors that affect these properties. In-situ polymerization method was used to prepare composites with varying weight percentages of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanofillers (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt% GNP-based composites; 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 wt% h-BN-based composites; 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 wt% h-BN+GNP-based composites). The cured composites were post-cured at temperatures of 80°C, 120°C, and 160°C for 120 minutes in a hot air oven. The presence of GNPs and h-BNs in the composites is confirmed using Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Further mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated by conducting tensile, flexural, impact, fracture and differential scanning thermometry (DSC) tests. The simulation analyses were performed using Ansys software, and the results demonstrated a strong correlation with the experimental data, with discrepancies between the two consistently within a standard margin of 20%.

Synchrotron X-ray spectromicroscopy analysis of wear tested graphene-containing alumina coatings

Thermally sprayed Al2O3 coatings containing graphene nano platelets (GNP) have been shown to exhibit improved wear resistance. To understand the positive influence of GNP on wear properties, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) analyses were performed to determine the structural and chemical changes that occur on the GNP and alumina matrix after wear tests. STXM results acquired at the C K-edge showed that the GNP are aligned parallel to the specimen surface in the as-sprayed coatings. GNP flakes are also observed at the tribo-surface of the wear tested sample. The results obtained at the Al K-edge show that the aluminum oxide below the wear track becomes amorphous during the wear test and carbon is dissolved in it. Wear tests performed on thermally sprayed pure alumina samples (without GNP) and on sintered bulk alumina prove that neither the presence of GNP nor the porosity in the coating are responsible for the amorphization of the alumina matrix. The results discussed in this work advance the fundamental understanding of graphene-containing composites, which is considered very important to exploit the unique advantages of graphene in technological applications.

Mechanical properties of a carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite improved by integrating multi-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets

The pairs of nanofillers prepared by graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were added to the epoxy matrix in various ratios to produce hybrid epoxy nanocomposites. The effects of the presence of these nanofillers at 0.1–0.4 wt.% on the mechanical and thermal properties were tested. Likewise, carbon fiber reinforced MWCNT/GNP modified epoxy nanocomposite laminates were also manufactured and tested. The dispersion of nanofiller in the polymer matrix was evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was determined that the hybrid composite consisting of a MWCNT:GNP ratio of 1:3 and a nanofiller ratio of 0.3 wt.% showed the best mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 75.1 MPa. The presence of GNPs and MWCNT nanofillers in epoxy/carbon fiber laminates influenced positively the tensile strength and strain but negatively the elastic modulus. Glass transition temperature of epoxy increased from 87.25°C to 114.67°C for MWCNT:GNP ratio of 1:1 (0.3 wt.%).

Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Polyamide 6/Graphene Nanoplatelets Nanocomposites Obtained via In Situ Polymerization: Effect of Nanofiller Size.

Thermoplastic resin transfer molding (T-RTM) technology was applied to synthesize graphene nanoplatelets-based nanocomposites via anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP). Polyamide 6 (PA6) was obtained by AROP and was used as the polymeric matrix of the developed nanocomposites. The non-isothermal crystallization behavior of PA6 and nanocomposites was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Nanocomposites with 0.5 wt.% of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) with two different diameter sizes were prepared. Results have shown that the crystallization temperature shifted to higher values in the presence of GNPs. This behavior is more noticeable for the nanocomposite prepared with smaller GNPs (PA6/GN). The crystallization kinetic behavior of all samples was assessed by Avrami and Liu's models. It was observed that GNPs increased the crystallization rate, thus revealing a nucleating ability, and also validated the reduction of half-time crystallization values. Such tendency was also supported by the lower activation energy values determined by Friedman's method.

Mechanical and Electrical Properties and Electromagnetic-Wave-Shielding Effectiveness of Graphene-Nanoplatelet-Reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites have attracted global attention as a metal replacement for electrical and electronic applications. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are widely used as a nanoreinforcement to enhance the functional and structural properties of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers. In the present study, ABS nanocomposites were prepared by reinforcing 3–15 wt.% GNPs in steps of 3 wt.%. The neat ABS and ABS+GNP nanocomposite specimens for the mechanical test were prepared using injection molding, followed by extrusion, as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. It was found that the modulus of ABS improved due to the reinforcement of GNPs. Additionally, we noticed higher thermal stability of nanocomposites due to the faster heat-conducting path developed in the nanocomposites by the presence of GNPs. However, observed agglomeration of GNPs at higher concentrations and poor wetting with ABS led to the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Moreover, 350 µm thick nanocomposite films were manufactured by compression molding, followed by the extrusion method, and we investigated their electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability, permittivity, and electromagnetic-wave-shielding effectiveness. The developed nanocomposites showed improved conductivity and effective electromagnetic wave shielding by absorption. The 15 wt.% GNP-reinforced ABS composite film showed a maximum shielding effectiveness of 30 dB in the X-band.

THERMO-MECHANICAL AND MICROSTRUCTURAL INVESTIGATIONS OF AA 6061/GNPS WELDED JOINTS DEVELOPED BY CONTINUOUS DRIVE FRICTION WELDING

The paper provides a novel technique for merging graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) within aluminium matrix (AA 6061) by continuous drive friction welding (CDFW). The welding processes were done at 1400 rpm and 2000 rpm rotational speeds with two different frictional loads 2000 N and 2500 N for 5 sec and 7 sec welding times. The welded joints were subjected to tensile and hardness tests. The heating-cooling cycles through the welding process were monitored. The microstructure investigation was performed using optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). The effect of welding conditions on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) results of AA 6061 and AA 6061/GNPs were completely studied in details. There is no big detectable variation in the mean hardness values due to the GNPs addition. The best welding conditions for achieving the highest mechanical properties were defined. The presence of GNPs in the welded joints results in lower heating at the welded joint at the same welding conditions. Finer grain structure and homogeneous distribution for the GNPs within the welding zone were observed.

Design of electrocatalysts with reduced Pt content supported on mesoporous NiWO4 and NiWO4-graphene nanoplatelets composite for oxygen reduction and hydrogen oxidation in acidic medium

Herein, a new direct synthesis route leading to a mesoporous NiWO4 with crystalline framework and NiWO4 - graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) composite is reported. Ni and W assembled into a mesoporous tungstate type of symmetry by co-precipitation synthesis route and its composite with GNP were used as supports for electrocatalysts, with reduced Pt content (8 wt.%), in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in acidic medium. A comprehensive assessment of the modifications related to the crystalline and porous structures, morphological aspects as well as the surface chemistry aiming to explain the electrochemical properties was performed. It was found that the presence of GNP during the synthesis process leads, mainly, to the enhanced growth of NiWO4 nanocrystallites, as well as induces changes in the surface chemistry. The electrochemical results show that the introduction of GNPs into the NiWO4 composite support leads to a significant improvement in the activity of the Pt electrocatalyst in ORR and HOR compared to both initial NiWO4 and Pt/NiWO4 samples, as well as mechanical mixtures of these catalysts with carbon. Mass activity for hydrogen oxidation, determined in a mixed kinetic-diffusion controlled region, obtained on the 8 wt.% Pt/NiWO4-GNP catalyst was significantly higher compared to the commercial 20 wt.% Pt/C Quintech catalyst. Our comprehensive structural and surface chemistry assessments indicate this composite material as a viable electrocatalyst for PEMFCs using a broader type of fuels.

Effect of Graphene Nanoplatelets on Tribological Properties of Bacterial Cellulose/Polyolester Oil Bio-Lubricant

The demand for bio-degradable lubricants is continuously increasing due to environmental concerns. One of the methods to achieve the bio-degradability property of lubricants is by using nanoparticles from bio-resources as additives in bio-degradable oils. Among the nanomaterials are nanofibers, cellulose, and graphene nanoplatelets. They can be mixed in Polyolester (POE) oil to produce lubricants for tribological applications. In a previous study, it has been confirmed that friction and wear of the tribo-pair reduced from 5 to 10% by mixing various volume percentages of bacterial cellulose (BC) into PEO as the base lubricant. The tribological performance BC containing POE base lubricant can further be enhanced by incorporating graphene nanoplatelets. This study shows that the specific wear rate of the material decreased by 20% by adding graphene nanoplatelets in BC containing POE oil. The friction and wear improvement can be related to the formation of tribofilm on the contact interface. EDS analysis indicates that oxygen played an important role in the friction and wear performance of the POE oil-based lubricant with BC and graphene additives. The tribofilm shows significant traces of oxygen elements. The presence of graphene nanoplatelets in POE oil removed the oxygen-rich layer but could not reduce the wear rate. However, incorporating both graphene and BC in POE oil significantly improved friction and wear, although the oxygen element was still traceable on the contact interface.

Solvent-Free Synthesis and Processing of Conductive Elastomer Composites for Green Dielectric Elastomer Transducers.

Stretchable electrodes are more suitable for dielectric elastomer transducers (DET) the closer the mechanical characteristics of the electrodes and elastomer are. Here, a solvent-free synthesis and processing of conductive composites with excellent electrical and mechanical properties for transducers are presented. The composites are prepared by in situ polymerization of cyclosiloxane monomers in the presence of graphene nanoplatelets. The low viscosity of the monomer allows for easy dispersion of the filler, eliminating the need for a solvent. After the polymerization, a cross-linking agent is added at room temperature, the composite is solvent-free screen-printed, and the cross-linking reaction is initiated by heating. The best material shows conductivity σ=8.2Scm-1 , Young's modulus Y10% =167kPa, and strain at break s=305%. The electrode withstands large strains without delamination, shows no conductivity losses during repeated operation for 500000 cycles, and has an excellent recovery of electrical properties upon being stretched at strains of up to 180%. Reliable prototype capacitive sensors and stack actuators are manufactured by screen-printing the conductive composite on the dielectric film. Stack actuators manufactured from dielectric and conductive materials that are synthesized solvent-free are demonstrated. The stack actuators even self-repair after a breakdown event.

Effect of Graphene on Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Coconut Shell Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composite

Coconut shell (CS) reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites have been prepared by using hand lay-up and compression molding techniques. To improve fiber matrix adhesion, the CS (30 wt%) was chemically treated by two chemical treatments which are alkaline (NaOH) and alkaline-silane with concentration NaOH (6%) and silane (2%). To enhance the performance of CS-UPE composites, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) was also added as a nano filler. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphology of the composite samples. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural tests of untreated and chemical treated CS-UPE composites was also studied and compared. Overall, the use of alkalized treated CS-UPE composites showed the best mechanical (strength and modulus). Therefore, alkaline treated CS was selected to be re-prepared with graphene as nano filler in UPE composites at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt% filler loading, respectively. The presence of GNP in CS-UPE composites have demonstrated a significant enhancement in modulus properties but at the expense of tensile strength. The use of 1.0 wt% of GNP seems more optimize loading since the increment of GNP has reduced the tensile strength, which might be due to the agglomeration issue.

Enhanced mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol electrospun nanofibers by incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets

The subject of this paper is to develop a highly conductive Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)-Chitosan (CS)/Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) (GNPs-CP) nanofibers with excellent mechanical properties. An experimental study was designed to produce nanofibers based on CP nanofibers as matrix and GNPs as reinforcement materials. The microstructure and the surface morphology of the electrospun nanofibers along with their electrical and mechanical properties were examined to study the effect of GNPs content. The SEM results showed that the gradual increase in GNPs content led to a porous web like morphology with no bead. There is a decrease in the diameter of nanofibers by increasing the concentration of GNPs to 1 wt% GNPs from 370 ± 40 nm for CP blend to 144 ± 18 nm for 1 wt% GNPs. Transmission electron microscopy results depicted that GNPs were dispersed uniformly confirmed by the absence of characteristic peak of graphite at 2θ = 26.5°. Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy results indicate the occurrence of a few interactions between GNPs and CP matrix. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurement demonstrated that increasing GNPs content increased the specific surface area of nanofibers from 238.377 to 386.708 m2/g for 0 and 1 wt% GNPs content. The test results also show that the presence of GNPs considerably enhances tensile strength, elastic modulus and electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the toughness of GNPs-CP nanofibers including 1 wt% GNPs significantly improved (12-fold) compared to the one for CP nanofibers. So, the proposed composite provides a decent functionality for nanofibers as scaffolds in tissue engineering applications.

Paper Sensors Based on Fluorescence Changes of Carbon Nanodots for Optical Detection of Nanomaterials

A paper sensor was designed in order to detect the presence of nanomaterials, such as ZnO and silica nanoparticles, as well as graphene nanoplatelets (GnP), based on fluorescence changes of carbon nanodots. Paper strips were functionalized with carbon nanodots using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as binder. The carbon nanodots were highly fluorescent and, hence, rendered the (cellulosic) paper stripes emissive. In the presence of silica and ZnO nanoparticles, the fluorescence emission of the carbon nanodots was quenched and the emission decay was shortened, whereas in the presence of GnP only emission quenching occurred. These different photoluminescence (PL) quenching mechanisms, which are evident from lifetime measurements, convey selectivity to the sensor. The change in fluorescence of the carbon dot-functionalized paper is also evident to the naked eye under illumination with a UV lamp, which enables easy detection of the nanomaterials. The sensor was able to detect the nanomaterials upon direct contact, either by dipping it in their aqueous dispersions, or by sweeping it over their powders. The use of the proposed optical sensor permits the detection of nanomaterials in a straightforward manner, opening new ways for the development of optical sensors for practical applications.

Improvement of Barrier Properties of Biodegradable Polybutylene Succinate/Graphene Nanoplatelets Nanocomposites Prepared by Melt Process.

Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)/Graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) nanocomposites over a range of GnP from 0 to 1.35 wt.%. were prepared by a melt process. A mixture of individual graphene nanosheets and aggregates was obtained by the addition of GnP in the PBS matrix. The presence of these fillers did not significantly modify the morphology, crystalline microstructure of the matrix or its thermal stability. However, a slight reinforcement effect of PBS was reported in the presence of GnP. The water sorption isotherm modelling with Guggenheim, Andersen and De Boer (GAB) equation and Zimm-Lundberg theory allowed a phenomenological analysis at the molecular scale. The presence of GnP did not modify the water sorption capacity of the PBS matrix. From a kinetic point of view, a decrease of the diffusion coefficient with the increasing GnP content was obtained and was attributed to a tortuosity effect. The influence of water activity was discussed over a range of 0.5 to 1 and 0 to 0.9 for water and dioxygen permeability. Improvement of the barrier properties by 38% and 35% for water and dioxygen permeability respectively were obtained.

Mechanical Enhancement and Thermal Stability of Composites between Polyamide 11 and Functionalized Graphene Nanoplatelets

The composites between polyamide 11 (PA11) and functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were prepared to compare influence of GNPs content and functionalities; hydroxyl (GO) and carboxylic acid (GC); on mechanical and thermal properties. The composites were melt compounded and injection molded into specimens with the final GNP content of 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 wt%. It was found in XRD that these plasma-exfoliated GNPs acted as the nucleating agents that changed the crystal form of PA11, but did not have significant influence on crystallinity content. DSC analysis confirmed the nucleating effect of GNPs, which the degree of crystallinity was not affected by the presence of GNPs. The functionalities of GNP did not reduce the degradation temperature of the composites compared to neat PA11. Young's modulus and tensile strength at yield of the composites were higher with respect to the GNP content. This was attributed to stretching restriction of polymer chains by GNPs during the elastic deformation. The composites adding GO had higher tensile properties than those adding GC. In contrast, the composites adding GC showed higher impact strength than those adding GO. SEM micrographs indicated the failure of the composites occurred at the interphase between PA11 matrix and GNPs.

Stabilization of the cellular structure of polypropylene foams and secondary nucleation mechanism in the presence of graphene nanoplatelets

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) consisting of few-layered graphene (FLG) with surface area of about 400 g/cm2 were prepared from expanded graphite (EG) using a shear-induced thermomechanical exfoliation process. Melt compounded composites of EG with polypropylene (PP) exhibited good filler dispersion with no visible aggregation, whereas PP-GNP composites contained finely-dispersed nanometer-scale FLG. Foams were prepared through a batch foaming process using nitrogen as the physical blowing agent, at temperatures ranging from 140 to 180 °C. The presence of EG particles and finely-dispersed GNPs promoted heterogenous nucleation, resulting in cell densities of the order of 107 cells/cm3, and a fine micro-cellular structure with an average cell diameter in the range of 20 μm–60 μm. It was further noted that the foams exhibited secondary nucleation effects stemming from the presence of very finely dispersed platelets, resulting in a secondary population of smaller cells in the range of 1 μm–10 μm. The compressive modulus of the composite foams containing 9 wt% GNPs increased five-fold compared to the neat PP foams.

Experimental and simulation study of effect of thickness on performance of (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and poly lactide nanocomposites incorporated with graphene as stand-alone electromagnetic interference shielding and metal-backed microwave absorbers

The dielectric properties induced by the presence of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) in two polymeric matrices were measured experimentally and then used to predict their performances as both stand-alone shielding materials and metal-backed microwave absorbers. Periodic changes were observed in shielding effectiveness (SET), with smaller periods for nanocomposites with higher GNP contents but the fluctuations dampened and higher SET was achieved as the sample thickness increased. Simulations were carried out to determine the required graphene content in each matrix and the optimum sample thickness to achieve 99% radiation attenuation over the entire X-band frequency range. Polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites with 9–15 wt% GNPs outperformed their corresponding poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) nanocomposites. This was investigated by analysing the contributions of the dielectric constant and dielectric loss to radiation attenuation and was found to be due to the relatively segregated dispersion quality of graphene in PLA as a result of weaker interfacial interactions. The nanocomposites performances as microwave absorbers were also studied with the highest absorption belonging to PLA at 6 wt% GNPs, achieving a reflection loss of −49.87 dB. In contrast, PLA with 12 wt% GNPs exhibited wider effective absorption bandwidths of 1.53 GHz and 450 MHz with 90% and 99% radiation absorptions, respectively. The produced graphene nanocomposites proved to be effective both as stand-alone and metal-backed microwave absorbers; while higher GNP contents provided better EMI shielding for stand-alone nanocomposites, moderate GNP loadings performed exceptionally in metal-backed absorbers.

Effects of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Cellular Structure on the Thermal Conductivity of Polysulfone Nanocomposite Foams.

Polysulfone (PSU) foams containing 0–10 wt% graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) were prepared using two foaming methods. Alongside the analysis of the cellular structure, their thermal conductivity was measured and analyzed. The results showed that the presence of GnP can affect the cellular structure of the foams prepared by both water vapor induced phase separation (WVIPS) and supercritical CO2 (scCO2) dissolution; however, the impact is greater in the case of foams prepared by WVIPS. In terms of thermal conductivity, the analysis showed an increasing trend by incrementing the amount of GnP and increasing relative density, with the tortuosity of the cellular structure, dependent on the used foaming method, relative density, and amount of GnP, playing a key role in the final value of thermal conductivity. The combination of all these factors showed the possibility of preparing PSU-GnP foams with enhanced thermal conductivity at lower GnP amount by carefully controlling the cellular structure and relative density, opening up their use in lightweight heat dissipators.

Morphological evaluation and phase behavior of PVDF/PEO blends in the presence of graphene nanoplatelets through rheological measurements

ABSTRACTIn this study, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were incorporated into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and PVDF/PEO blends using solution casting method in order to achieve binary and ternary polymer nanocomposites. The focus of the work is on the compatibilizing effects of the GNPs on partially miscible PVDF/PEO blends. X‐ray diffraction method, rheological measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy observations enabled us to track the dispersion state and localization of the graphene nanosheets in the nanocomposites. The results exhibited that the nanoplatelets were preferentially distributed through the PVDF phase and/or at the interface of the PVDF/PEO phases. Evaluation of the wetting parameter for the PVDF/PEO/GNPs nanocomposite also verified better affinity of the selected nanofiller with the PVDF component. Extend of the miscibility in the nanocomposites was studied by a well‐known rheological method. A tangible increment in binodal (Tb) and spinodal (Ts) decomposition temperatures by addition of a very low content of the GNPs (0.5 wt %) revealed well‐defined compatibilization effects of the graphene on this binary polymer blend. SEM images at different temperatures confirmed the rheologically determined liquid–liquid phase diagram. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48017.

The effects of surface‐modified graphene nanoplatelets on the sliding wear properties of basalt fibers‐reinforced epoxy composites

ABSTRACTPossessing unique designs and properties absent in conventional materials, nanocomposites have made a remarkable imprint in science and technology. This is particularly true regarding the polymer matrix composites when they are further reinforced with nanoparticles. In this study, the effects of different weight percentages (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) of surface‐modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the microhardness and wear properties of basalt fibers/epoxy composites were investigated. The GNPs were surface modified by silane, and the composites were made by the hand lay‐up method. The wear tests were conducted under two different loads of 20 and 40 N. The best wear properties were achieved at 0.3 wt % GNPs as a result of the GNPs' self‐lubrication property and the formation of a stable transfer/lubricating film at the pin and disk interface. Moreover, the friction coefficient was lower at the higher normal load of 40 N. The microscopic studies by FESEM and SEM showed that the presence of GNPs up to 0.3 wt % led to the stability of the transfer/lubricating film by enhancing the adhesion of the basalt fibers to the epoxy resin. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47986.

Thermal Decomposition Kinetics and Mechanism of In-Situ Prepared Bio-based Poly(propylene 2,5-furan dicarboxylate)/Graphene Nanocomposites.

Bio-based polyesters are a new class of materials that are expected to replace their fossil-based homologues in the near future. In this work, poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PPF) nanocomposites with graphene nanoplatelets were prepared via the in-situ melt polycondensation method. The chemical structure of the resulting polymers was confirmed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Thermal stability, decomposition kinetics and the decomposition mechanism of the PPF nanocomposites were studied in detail. According to thermogravimetric analysis results, graphene nanoplatelets did nοt affect the thermal stability of PPF at levels of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 wt.%, but caused a slight increase in the activation energy values. Pyrolysis combined with gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy revealed that the decomposition mechanism of the polymer was not altered by the presence of graphene nanoplatelets but the extent of secondary homolytic degradation reactions was increased.