Polypropylene/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites Prepared by In Situ Ziegler−Natta Polymerization

Abstract

This paper reports the first example of preparation of polypropylene/graphene oxide (PP/GO) nanocomposites via in situ Ziegler-Natta polymerization. A Mg/Ti catalyst species was incorporated into GO via surface functional groups including -OH and -COOH, giving a supported catalyst system primarily structured by nanoscale, predominantly single GO sheet. Subsequent propylene polymerization led to the in situ formation of PP matrix, which was accompanied by the nanoscale exfoliation of GO, as well as its gradual dispersion. Morphological examination of the ultimate PP/ GO nanocomposites by TEM and SEM techniques revealed effective dispersion in nanoscale of GO in PP matrix. High electrical conductivity was discovered with thus prepared PP/GO nanocomposites; for example, at a GO loading of 4.9 wt %, σ c was measured at 0.3 S 3 m -1 .

The Preparation of Graphene Oxide and Its Derivatives and Their Application in Bio-Tribological Systems

“…In situ polymerization is the most common and highly efficient method for preparing GO-based composites. Polyethylene- [108], polypropylene- [109], poly(methyl methacrylate)- [110], polypyrrole- [111,112], polyaniline- [113], polyurea- [114] and copolymer- [115] matrix GO nanocomposites are successfully prepared by using in situ polymerization.…”

Thermoplastic Nanocomposites and Their Processing Techniques

“…In this method pristine or expended, intercalated or surface modified graphene is first swollen within the liquid monomer and after the diffusion of a suitable initiator, polymerization is initiated either by heat or radiation (Kuilla et al, 2010). A number of thermoplastic polymers/gaphene nanocomposites with much improved mechanical, thermal and electric properties were prepared by this method, e.g PMMA/graphene (enhanced storage moduli , glass transition temperatures and thermal stability (Kuilla et al, 2011)), PP/graphene (effective dispersion and high electic conductivity (Huang et al, 2010)), Nylon/graphene (increased Young's modulus (Xu & Gao 2010)) and PS/graphene (improved thermal properties (Patole et al, 2010)), etc. Solution intercalation, not so common, is based on the adsorption of polymer or pre-polymer onto graphene layers.…”

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

“…Functionalization of graphene is essential for improving its dispersion in polymer matrix, especially the nonpolar polymers, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). 11,12 Functionalized graphene has been focused on the surface modification by using the organic compounds with the active groups, such as isocyanate, amino, acyl chloride, diazonium, silane coupling agent, etc. 13−18 Citation information: Hu, W., Zhan, J., Wang, X., Hong, N., Wang, B., Song, L., Stec, A.A., Hull, T.R., Wang, J., Hu, Y., Effect of functionalized graphene oxide with hyper-branched flame retardant on flammability and thermal stability of cross-linked polyethylene, (2014) Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 53 (8)…”