The Impact of Polymer Grafting from a Graphene Oxide Surface on Its Compatibility with a PDMS Matrix and the Light-Induced Actuation of the Composites

Abstract

Poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS)-based materials with improved photoactuation properties were prepared by the incorporation of polymer-grafted graphene oxide particles. The modification of the graphene oxide (GO) surface was achieved via a surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI ATRP) of methyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate. The modification was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The GO surface reduction during the SI ATRP was investigated using Raman spectroscopy and conductivity measurements. Contact angle measurements, dielectric spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical analyses were used to investigate the compatibility of the GO filler with the PDMS matrix and the influence of the GO surface modification on its physical properties and the interactions with the matrix. Finally, the thermal conductivity and photoactuation properties of the PDMS matrix and composites were compared. The incorporation of GO with grafted polymer chains, especially poly(n-butyl methacrylate), into the PDMS matrix improved the compatibility of the GO filler with the matrix, increased the energy dissipation due to the improved flexibility of the PDMS chains, enhanced the damping behavior and increased the thermal conductivity. All the changes in the properties positively affected the photoactuation behavior of the PDMS composites containing polymer-grafted GO.

A novel method to prepare homogeneous biocompatible graphene‐based PDMS composites with enhanced mechanical, thermal and antibacterial properties

“…DMA was also conducted to study the mechanical properties of composite materials. Through this investigation, the storage modulus and the transition of crystallization melting of composites were observed. As presented in Fig.…”

Effect of Structure of Polymers Grafted from Graphene Oxide on the Compatibility of Particles with a Silicone-Based Environment and the Stimuli-Responsive Capabilities of Their Composites

“…Graphene-based particles have been determined to be better candidates due to their two-dimensional shape, as well as large surface area [25]. Graphene particles are of particular interest since they provide high electrical conductivity, excellent mechanical properties and high thermal conductivity, that facilitate heat transfer within the sample [26], and can also improve the photo-actuation capability [27]. However, the dispersion and distribution of neat graphene nanoparticles in a polymer is rather problematic due to the strong π-π interaction between the graphene sheets [28].…”

“…Similarly, the studies of poly(dimethyl silioxane) (PDMS) filled with graphene oxide polymer hybrids (GO-g-polymer) photo-actuators also revealed that through surfaced modification we were able to improve the affinity GO-g-polymer particles to a PDMS matrix. SI-ATRP enables one to finely tune the properties of the chemical cross-linking network in terms of decreasing the activation energy of glass transition (systems possess enhanced flexibility of the PDMS network) that finally improves the ability for photo-actuation [21,22,27].…”

Smart Non-Woven Fiber Mats with Light-Induced Sensing Capability

“…Smart systems belong to the group of materials capable of changing the basic properties, when they are exposed to external stimuli such as electric [1][2][3], magnetic [4,5], thermal [6,7], pH [8,9], or light [10,11]. In case of light stimulation, such smart systems can exhibit the shape [12] or resistivity [13] change or generate electric output [14].…”