In situ preparation of functionalized graphene oxide/epoxy nanocomposites with effective reinforcements

Abstract

In order to obtain homogeneous dispersion and strong filler-matrix interface in epoxy resin, graphene oxide was functionalized via surface modification by hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and glycidol and then incorporated into epoxy resin to obtain nanocomposites via in situ thermal polymerization. The morphology of nanocomposites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, implying good dispersion of graphene nano-sheets. The incorporation of functionalized graphene oxide effectively enhanced various property performances of epoxy nanocomposites. The storage modulus of the epoxy nanocomposites was significantly increased by 113% (2% addition) and the hardness was improved by 38% (4% addition). Electrical conductivity was improved by 6.5 orders of magnitude. Enhanced thermal stability was also achieved. This work demonstrates a cost-effective approach to construct a flexible interphase structure, strong interfacial interaction and good dispersion of functionalized graphene in epoxy nanocomposites through a local epoxy-rich environment around graphene oxide sheets, which reinforces the polymer properties and indicates further application in research and industrial areas.

Effect of Functionalized Graphene Oxide with Hyper-Branched Flame Retardant on Flammability and Thermal Stability of Cross-Linked Polyethylene

“…An interesting work shows that functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) with hexachlorocyclo-triphosphazene (HCTP) enhances the mechanical property, electrical property and thermal stability of epoxy resin. 19 A further study verifies that functionalized GO with HCTP can obviously increase the char yield and decrease the peak heat release rate (pHRR), CO release rate and CO 2 release rate in polystyrene. 20 Other significant research demonstrates that functionalized GO with low molecular intumescent flame retardant not only improves the dispersion of graphene but also effectively increases the flame retardancy of ethylene/vinyl acetate nanocomposites.…”

Graphene nanoplatelet-modified epoxy: effect of aspect ratio and surface functionality on mechanical properties and toughening mechanisms

“…Detailed reviews on graphene research have been published [5,6], specifically regarding its use as polymer reinforcement. The majority of the early research was based on graphene oxide [7][8][9][10], which can be easily exfoliated and dispersed in epoxy due to the attached functional groups. However, these functional groups reduce the mechanical properties and their weight causes wrinkling of the graphene sheets [11].…”

Fabrication and Mechanical and Thermal Behaviour of Graphene Oxide/Epoxy Nanocomposites

“…Because of oxygen functional groups, graphene oxide can be further functionalized which can effectively increase the reactive points on the GO surface, bring extra advantages to improve the dispersion and interactions of GO in polymer matrices. Many studies have reported significant improvement in polymer properties with the incorporation of functionalized GO [9,10]. One study reported that the less oxidized GO was more effective than nearly fully oxidized GO in terms of reinforcing polymers.…”