Importance of Covalent Linkages in the Preparation of Effective Reduced Graphene Oxide−Poly(vinyl chloride) Nanocomposites

Abstract

The preparation of nanocomposites of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is reported. Covalent modification of PVC with RGO and reduction/precipitation of graphite oxide and isocyanates-modified GO in the presence of PVC are studied. Among these methods it is proposed that only the former produces nanocomposites with enhanced final properties. The other method failed because it did not produce nanocomposites with different properties to the original polymer, probably due to the lack of effective interfacial interactions. The RGO-chemically modified PVC samples have different thermal and mechanical properties with respect to the parent polymer. A discussion on the dependence of the properties on the method of preparation is given. Furthermore, preliminary results based on the effect of the aspect ratio and surface chemistry of the filler are also given.

A review on the role of interface in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of polymer composites

“…One of the suitable methods for chemical bonds formation is the in situ polymerization, where the monomers react with each other and the fillers simultaneously [74][75][76][77][78]. The other way is to modify the host prior to the chemical attachement of the fillers [79].…”

Interphases in Graphene Polymer‐based Nanocomposites: Achievements and Challenges

“…These results were attributed to: a) the FGS wrinkled morphology that enhances mechanical interlocking with the polymeric chain and, therefore, a better interfacial adhesion, and b) the presence of oxygenated groups on graphene surface which may form hydrogen bonds with the carbonyl groups of acrylic polymers such as PMMA. The effect of covalent bonding of poly(vinyl chloride) to reduce GO has also been studied, [ 78 ] and a signifi cant increase in T g of 25 ° C for 1.4% wt loading, along with an increase of 50% in the Young's modulus, have been found.…”

Graphene functionalization and its application to polymer composite materials

“…A review conducted by Salavagione et al 30 summarized the work related to "grafting to" methods. Esterifi cation/amidation is applied to covalently link the carboxylic groups on GO with the polymers containing hydroxyl or amine groups such as polyethylene glcol (PEG), 42 poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), 13,14 polyvinyl chloride, 43 poly(ethyleneimine), 44 triphenylamine-based polyazomethine 45 and poly(3-hexylthiophene). 46 Nitrene chemistry was reported to simply generate covalent linkage via cycloadditions of azide groups on the end of polymers (PEG, PS and polyacetylene) with C=C bonds in graphene.…”