Interfacial Study on the Functionalization of Continuously Exfoliated Graphite in a PA66 Using High Shear Elongational Flow

Abstract

Graphene has been publicized as the game changing material of this millennium. As research continues to expand our knowledge of this 2D semimetal, the properties at the interface have become an increasingly important characteristic. Translating graphene’s strength at the nanoscale to the macroscale is suggested by functionalizing the graphene, creating a favourable interfacial morphology to adhere. An interfacial morphology that is able to form primary chemical bonds is ideal, providing the best mechanical property performance. We proposed a method of creating a graphene reinforced polymer matrix composite from flake mineral graphite in-situ, using high shear elongational flow to produces these conditions. In our process we were able to identify chemical bonding at graphene’s surface, which developed into newly created interfacial morphologies. These morphologies lead to an increase in mechanical properties while providing an improved stress transfer between graphene and its containing matrix. Our work sheds light on a solvent free route to scalable high strength graphene composites.