Collision-induced activation: Towards industrially scalable approach to graphite nanoplatelets functionalization for superior polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

Scale-up manufacturing of engineered graphene-like nanomaterials to deliver the industry needs for development of high-performance polymer nanocomposites still remains a challenge. Herein, we introduce a quick and cost-effective approach to scalable production of functionalized graphite nanoplatelets using “kitchen blender” approach and Diels-Alder chemistry. We have shown that, in a solvent-free process and through a cycloaddition mechanism, maleic anhydride can be grafted onto the edge-localized electron rich active sites of graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) resulting from high collision force, called “graphite collision-induced activation”. The mechanical impact was modelled by applying the point charge method using density functional theory (DFT). The functionalization of GNP with maleic anhydride (m-GNP) was characterized using various spectroscopy techniques. In the next step, we used a recyclable process to convert m-GNP to the highly-reactive GNP (f-GNP) which exhibits a strong affinity towards the epoxy polymer matrix. It was found that at a low content of f-GNP e.g., 0.5 wt%, significant enhancements of ~54% and ~65% in tensile and flexural strengths of epoxy nanocomposite can be achieved, respectively. It is believed that this new protocol for functionalization of graphene nanomaterials will pave the way for relatively simple industrial scale fabrication of high performance graphene based nanocomposites.

SMA-Assisted Exfoliation of Graphite by Microfluidization for Efficient and Large-Scale Production of High-Quality Graphene

“…Similarly, Young's modulus increases with increasing EG load up to 0.5 wt%. This is consistent with the results published in the literature [35]. Compared to other graphene-reinforced polyamide composites [32,36,37], as shown in Table 1, greater improvements in mechanical properties are observed for the EG/PA66 composites investigated in this study.…”

“…Meanwhile, when the loading is over 0.3 wt%, graphene sheets become aggregated because of the high surface area of nanoplates and strong π-π interactions between layers ( Figure 12d). These properties result in the concentration of stress, which significantly reduces tensile strength [33,35,36]. In addition to dispersibility, crystallinity is another factor that influences the mechanical properties of EG/PA66 composites [33].…”

A Hydrothermal-Assisted Ball Milling Approach for Scalable Production of High-Quality Functionalized MoS2 Nanosheets for Polymer Nanocomposites

“…This trend can be associated with the agglomeration formations, affecting the interfacial stress transferring. Similar to other 2D nanomaterials, the dissipation of crack energy through different mechanisms such as crack deviation is probably the main mechanism for the enhancement of mechanical properties [69,70]. In other words, as the crack encounters MoS 2 nanosheets, it can be tilted and twisted resulting in higher energy absorption [68,71].…”

Thermoreversible Polymeric Nanocomposites

“…Although in a different work [46], a significant improvement of the impact properties has also been reported and preliminarily attributed to the wave propagation through the graphene platelets. Also in the case of graphene, as for CNT, reactivity as diene or dienophile, can be exploited [47].…”