Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanocomposites Filled with Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Grafted Graphene Oxide

Abstract

We present a novel approach to the fabrication of advanced polymeric nanocomposites from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by incorporation of PVA-grafted graphene oxide. In this work, we have synthesized PVA-grafted graphene oxide (PVA-g-GO) for the strong interfacial adhesion of graphene oxide (GO) to the PVA matrix. It was found that the mechanical properties of PVA were greatly improved by incorporating PVA-g-GO. For example, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the PVA nanocomposite films containing 1 wt % net GO in the PVA-g-GO significantly increased by 88 and 150%, respectively, as compared to unfilled PVA. The elongation at break was also increased by 22%, whereas the GO/PVA nanocomposite containing 1 wt % pristine GO was decreased by 15%. Therefore, the presence of the PVA-g-GO in the PVA matrix could make the PVA not only stronger but also tougher. The strong interfacial adhesion between PVA-g-GO and the PVA matrix was attributed to the good compatibility between PVA-g-GO and the matrix PVA as well as the hydrogen-bonding between them.

Enhanced thermal conductivity and retained electrical insulation for polyimide composites with SiC nanowires grown on graphene hybrid fillers

“…However, the incorporation of graphene to polymer may be to increase Young's modulus while sending down the tensile toughness of polymer matrix [45][46][47]. As opposed to the Young's modulus in this study, the tensile strength and elongation of the PI composites decrease with the increasing content of SiC NWs -GSs nanofillers, indicating a negative effect of solid fillers on ductility of organic/inorganic composites [48].…”

Carbon-Nanohorn-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites: Synergetic Benefits in Mechanical Properties

“…Still, the reasonable change in χ (18%) induced by SWNH aggregates is probably due to the benefit of the interaction area provided by its spherical geometry, and also due to the outward protrusions of SWNH's conical ends (see 'dahlia-shaped' aggregate in the inset in Figure 1b), which act in a one-dimensional manner akin to SWNTs. The reason for EG effecting a small change in χ is due to the limited locations at the edges of graphene sheet where functional groups can be induced 31 and also the multi-layered nature (3-4 layers), which reduce the availability of the effective interfacial area. 32 Altogether, the effect of dimensionality on χ and on the mechanical properties is seen to increase as: EG (2D), SWNHs (1 and 3D), and SWNTs (1D).…”

6. Graphene and its hybrids with inorganic nanoparticles, polymers and other materials

“…Pristine graphene is known to have very high breaking strength and modulus of 42 Nm −1 and 1 T.Pa respectively [58]. Graphenepolymer nanocomposites in general show very high strength and modulus with much lower nanofiller concentration compared to traditional polymer nanocomposites [44,52,54,[59][60]. With as little as 0.6 wt% of functionalized graphene (FG) in PVA or PMMA the elastic modulus and strength increased by 70 % and 45 % respectively [54].…”

“…This, along with high surface area, surface roughness, homogenous dispersion and intimate mixing of the filler with matrix give rise to such enhanced mechanical properties. Cheng et al [59] have observed that tensile strength and Young's modulus of the PVA composites containing 1 wt% of GO increase by almost 88 % and 150 % as compared to PVA. The elongation break was also increased by 22 % [59], Possible interactions like hydrogen bonding between the functional groups on GO with the polar PVA matrix could be the probable reason behind such strong mechanical properties.…”