Graphene Networks with Low Percolation Threshold in ABS Nanocomposites: Selective Localization and Electrical and Rheological Properties

Abstract

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS)/graphene nanocomposites were prepared through a facile coagulation method. Because the chemical reduction of graphene oxide was in situ conducted in the presence of ABS at the dispersion stage, the aggregation of the graphene nanosheets was avoided. It was shown by transmission electron microscopy that the graphene nanosheets were selectively located and homogeneously dispersed in the styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) phase. The electrical conductivity and linear viscoelastic behavior of the nanocomposites were systematically studied. With increasing filler content, graphene networks were established in the SAN phase. Consequently, the nanocomposites underwent a transition from electrical insulator to conductor at a percolation threshold of 0.13 vol %, which is smaller than that of other ABS composites. Such a low percolation threshold results from extreme geometry, selective localization, and homogeneous dispersion of the graphene nanosheets in SAN phase. Similarly, the rheological response of the nanocomposites also showed a transition to solid-like behavior. Due to the thermal reduction of graphene nanosheets and structure improvement of graphene networks, enhanced electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites was obtained after annealing.

Design and application of ‘J-shaped’ stress–strain behavior in stretchable electronics: a review

“…Jungebluth et al 69 used electrospun synthetic fibers as an artificial scaffolds, and then introduced cells to produce an tissue-engineered rat trachea (Figure 2e) with microstructures and mechanical properties similar to those of native tissues (Figure 2d). The percolation networks based on metal nanowire 70, 71 , graphene flakes 72-74 and carbon nanotubes 75, 76 have high conductivity, transmittance and magnetic response, and also can achieve the ‘J-shaped’ stress-strain behavior. The low modulus stages of such percolation networks due to the ‘J-shaped’ stress-strain behavior, together with their own physical characteristics are well-matched with the demands of bio-integrated electronics.…”

Experimental and theoretical correlation of reinforcement trends in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/single‐walled carbon nanotubes hybrid composites

“…Recently, M. H. Al‐Saleh et al reported the dispersion of MWCNT in the SAN phase instead of PB phase of the ABS matrix. Moreover, Gao et al mentioned that in ABS, strong π‐π interactions exists between the graphitic structure of graphene and the phenyl rings of SAN chains due to which the graphene layers were located in the SAN phase rather than in the PB phase. Therefore, SWCNT preferably reside in the SAN phase due to the non‐covalent interactions among the graphitic structure of nanotubes and phenyl groups of SAN in ABS.…”

Electrical, thermal, and viscoelastic properties of graphene nanoplatelet/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) biodegradable nanocomposites

“…When the interactions between the anisotropic filler particles becomes significant, the system exhibits an apparent yield stress which is detected by appearance of a plateau in the dynamic moduli at low frequencies especially in G ′ . The diminishing frequency dependency of G ′ and the appearance of a plateau in the low‐frequency region for GNP concentrations above 9 wt % is indicative of formation of a percolated network within the nanocomposite, which causes the solid‐like behavior ( ) at low frequencies …”