Development of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Composites Reinforced with Graphene Platelets

Abstract

Composites of ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) reinforced with graphene platelets are fabricated. Morphological, thermal, mechanical, electrical properties as well as moisture absorption of the composites are characterized. Transmission electron microscopy shows a good dispersion of graphene platelets in the matrix. The unidirectional orientation of graphene platelets parallel to the surface of the composites is revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and is validated using the Halpin–Tsai model. Tensile strength and elongation of the composites are respectively improved by 109 and 83%, after the addition of 3 wt% graphene platelets. The incorporation of 5 wt% graphene platelets enhances the char residue of the composites from 0.544% for pure EVA to 6.63% for the composites. The electrical conductivity of the composite with 3 wt% graphene platelets is two orders of magnitude higher than that of pure EVA with 10−13 S cm–1 electrical conductivity.

Anti‐bacterial poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite hydrogels reinforced within situsynthesized silver nanoparticles

“…, there are no noticeable differences between XRD curves of pure PVA and PVA/AgNPs nanocomposite hydrogels, suggesting that the presence of AgNPs has not changed crystallinity percentage. These results are in a good agreement with the previously reported results on PVA/GO hydrogels .…”

Effect of graphene on thermal stability and mechanical properties of ethylene-vinyl acetate: a molecular dynamics simulation

“…It has been applied in encapsulating electrical cables, shoes, component packaging, corrosion protection, and water-proofing. However, there are still some shortcomings for the mechanical properties and thermostability for the pure EVA [5,6]. Defects such as low mechanical strength and poor toughness limit their applications.…”

“…have been used to enhance the mechanical properties of the EVA [7][8][9]. The tensile strength can only be improved by about [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] MPa, which still does not meet requirements of the strength and toughness for the cable packaging, device packaging under the extreme environment.…”

The Role of Selectively Located Commercial Graphene Nanoplatelets in the Electrical Properties, Morphology, and Stability of EVA/LLDPE Blends

“…The cost advantage allows the use of this type of GN in a wider range of applications, among them are nanocomposites based on commodity polymers to enhance their electrical properties . To avoid the use of solvents, excessive fabrication steps, and maintain the industrial appeal, melt‐mixing by extrusion using GN powder is the best alternative to prepare these nanocomposites. However, dispersing nanoparticles in a polymer matrix by melt‐mixing can lead to high percolation threshold, that is, higher concentration is needed to form long‐range connectivity, due to poor or uneven dispersion of the conductive particles within the matrix .…”