Graphene nanoscrolls (GNS), one‐dimensional carbon‐based nanomaterials, have been predicted to possess extraordinary characteristics due to their unique open topology with scrolled graphene monolayers. In this study, the conversion of planar 2‐D graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to tubular and scrolled 1‐D GNSs is described. The effects of GNS as a nucleating agent to modulate the morphology, crystallization, and nano‐mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) were studied. The nucleating effect of GNS and its unique topological characteristics proves to influence the crystallization of PLA. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated nonpreferential interactions of PLA chains around GNS due to the bulky and helical PLA macromolecular chains. Superior interfacial interactions and strain in GNS provide better load transfer between GNS and PLA matrices, resulting in higher modulus and hardness. This study is the first detailed analysis to elucidate the role of unique GNS to favorably modulate the properties of a polymer.

A comparative study of the effect of copolymer composition on nanohybrid shish‐kebab (NHSK) architecture on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is presented. A semi‐crystalline amphiphilic di‐block copolymer, polyethylene‐b‐polyethylene glycol (PE‐b‐PEG) was used in this study. Copolymer composition was varied on the basis of the molecular weight of individual copolymers and the ratio between PE and PEG. NHSK structure was characterized using a combination of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The mobility of PEG, which is determined by its chain length was found to have a significant impact on the periodic decoration of the copolymer on CNTs. With higher chain length or molecular weight, PEG chains provided better stability to micelles formed by the copolymer. Further, PEG assisted micellar stability to create a foundation for PE chains to interact and orient along the tube axis of CNTs as a function of the copolymer composition. It was found that the stability of NHSK architecture can also be changed over time at the same crystallization temperature. This work offers novel and fundamental insights towards the mobility of PEG in the copolymer and its disk‐shaped crystal's formation and micellar stability during crystallization with CNTs. This study provides a better understanding of a mechanically tunable NHSK where the architecture of copolymer crystals can be modified by adjusting the molecular weight of PEG.

Graphene nanoscrolls (GNS) are 1D carbon-based nanoparticles. In this study, they were investigated as a heterogeneous nucleating agent in the poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix. The isothermal and non-isothermal melting behavior and crystallization kinetics of PLA-GNS nanocomposites were investigated using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Low GNS content not only accelerated the crystallization rate, but also the degree of crystallinity of PLA. The Avrami model was used to fit raw experimental data, and to evaluate the crystallization kinetics for both isothermal and non-isothermal runs through the nucleation and growth rate. Additionally, the effect of the dimensionality and structure of the nanoparticle on the crystallization behavior and kinetics of PLA is discussed. GNS, having a similar fundamental unit as CNT and GNP, were observed to possess superior mechanical properties when analyzed by the nanoindentation technique. The scrolled architecture of GNS facilitated a better interface and increased energy absorption with PLA compared to CNTs and GNPs, resulting in superior mechanical properties.