Segregated Network Polymer Composites with High Electrical Conductivity and Well Mechanical Properties based on PVC, P(VDF-TFE), UHMWPE, and rGO

Abstract

The formation of a segregated network structure (wittingly uneven distribution of a filler) is one of the most promising strategies for the fabrication of electrically conductive polymer composites at present. However, the simultaneous achievement of high values of electrical conductivity with the retention of well mechanical properties within this approach remains a great challenge. Here, by means of X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dielectric spectroscopy, and compression engineering stress–strain curve analysis, we have studied the effect of a segregated network structure on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of a set of polymer composites. The composites were prepared by applying graphene oxide (GO) with ultralarge basal plane size (up to 150 μm) onto the surface of polymer powder particles, namely, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(vinylidene fluoride- co -tetrafluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TFE)), and ultrahigh-molecular-weight poly(ethylene) (UHMWPE) with the subsequent GO reduction and composite hot pressing. A strong dependence of the segregated network polymer composites’ physical properties on the polymer matrix was demonstrated. Particularly, 12 orders of magnitude rise of the polymers’ electrical conductivity up to 0.7 S/m was found upon the incorporation of the reduced GO (rGO). A 17% increase in the P(VDF-TFE) elastic modulus filled by 1 wt % of rGO was observed. Fracture strength of PVC/rGO at 0.5 wt % content of the filler was demonstrated to decrease by fourfold. At the same time, the change in strength was not significant for P(VDF-TFE) and UHMWPE composites in comparison with pure polymers. Our results show a promise to accelerate the development of new composites for energy applications, such as metal-free supercapacitor plates and current collectors of lithium-ion batteries, bipolar plates of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, antistatic elements of various electronic devices, etc.

Rhinestone sheet like carbon and metal oxide‐based nanocomposites for flexible supercapacitor applications

“…The XAS spectra of O K‐edge (Figure 6F) consisted of the peaks A at 534 eV and B at 537 eV which corresponds to the hybridization between O 2p‐Zn 3d orbitals and O 2p‐Zn 4s orbitals, respectively. In addition to, two peaks C and D have been also observed at 541 and 544 eV which indicate the O 2p and Zn 4p orbital interactions, respectively 59 …”

“…In addition to, two peaks C and D have been also observed at 541 and 544 eV which indicate the O 2p and Zn 4p orbital interactions, respectively. 59 Similarly, the XAS pattern of C K-edge consisted of four characteristic peaks A, B, C, and D. 6E. 60…”

Segregated Structure Copolymer of Vinylidene Fluoride and Tetrafluoroethylene Composites Filled with rGO, SWCNTs and Their Mixtures

“…Currently, many works have been published on the development and study of EPCs [ 3 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. The optimal distribution of electrically conductive nanosized fillers in a polymer matrix is still one of the main problems [ 11 ] preventing wide use of such materials in industry.…”

Fabrication of PBAT/PPC Blend Nanocomposites with Low Conductivity Percolation and Balanced Mechanical and Barrier Properties via Incorporation of Partially Reductive GO

“…[14,15] GO can be reduced well by some simple methods (thermal, chemical reduction), and the reduced GO (r-GO) commonly has good thermal and electrical conductivity. [16,17,18,19,20] Hence, r-GO is also used by some researchers in two-phase polymer systems to construct a two-dimensional or threedimensional network for electric and thermal conductivity. [21,22] Moreover, the 2D lamellar structure of GO makes it potentially applied as a nanofiller to improve the barrier properties in the field of polymer packaging.…”