In situ reduction of graphene oxide in the poly (vinyl alcohol) matrix via microwave irradiation

Abstract

Despite great recent progress, the processing of graphene oxide (GO) sheets in polymers are often one of the most challenging steps in fabricating graphene/ polymer nanocomposites. The challenge is how to achieve high levels of dispersion and reduction of GO simultaneously, without any residual reducing agents in the composites. In this work, microwave irradiation is applied as a remote source to in situ reduce GO sheets embedded in the poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix, which process maximizes the advantage of GO's solvent processability. The active response of GO to microwave irradiation allows for the uniform and selective heating of GO, leading to a minutes-quick reduction of GO without physical damage to the polymer matrix. Significant improvements in the mechanical properties, electrical conductivities and glass transition temperatures (T g s) of GO/PVA nanocomposites are achieved, and possible reasons for the improvements are also discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 00:000-000,

Study of the dielectric heating of graphite oxide and its effect on the microwave‐assisted synthesis of Nylon‐6/graphite oxide polymeric hybrid nanocomposites

“…In this sense, GrOP exposes a high density of functional groups to irradiation due to its surface area, promoting their reaction with the monomer. 15 This hybridization reaction changes the chemical equilibrium throughout polymerization of ε-caprolactam, significantly raising the consumption of monomer to replenish that, which bonded to GrOP. 23 Thus, the reduction in ε-caprolactam limits the DH supplied to the medium.…”

“…14 In this regard, it has been reported that microwave radiation promotes the reaction between polymer chains and GO. 15 Microwave radiation offers certain advantages to organic synthesis and polymerization, such as higher yields and increases in reaction rate. 16,17 In systems combining nano-reinforcements and polymers, hybrid nanostructures with superior properties to those fabricated conventionally are obtained.…”

“…“Grafting to” involves the bonding of a preformed end‐functionalized polymer to GO sheets 14 . In this regard, it has been reported that microwave radiation promotes the reaction between polymer chains and GO 15 …”

Radio frequency heating and reduction of Graphene Oxide and Graphene Oxide - Polyvinyl Alcohol Composites

“…25,26 Note that graphene and RGO are not compatible with certain polymer matrices and tend to form aggregates. 27 . In contrast, GO is less prone to restacking and can be uniformly dispersed in some polymer matrices due to bond formation between oxygen groups of GO sheets and functional groups present in polymer chains.…”

Graphene Based Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Nanocomposites Prepared by In Situ Green Reduction of Graphene Oxide by Ascorbic Acid: Influence of Graphene Content and Glycerol Plasticizer on Properties

“…Various graphene derivatives have been used in the preparation of PVA nanocomposites, and enhancement in the bulk physical properties has been reported. There are some studies reported in the literature on PVA/graphene nanocomposites prepared by reduction of GO in presence of PVA [35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47].…”