Different types of graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs) can be incorporated into polymer matrices to improve polymer properties. In particular, graphene nanofillers can increase electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, barrier properties, and thermal stability, while graphene oxide can increase the same properties with the exception of electrical conductivity. Graphene has the advantage of being electrically conductive and stronger but is more expensive and challenging to disperse into a polymer while graphene oxide is much cheaper and easier to disperse in a polymer, but is less thermally stable and can absorb water. Overall, there are advantages and disadvantages to using each type of GFN, but both are likely to be present in consumer products in an application-dependent manner. When these products are used or disposed of outdoors during their life cycle, they are likely to degrade, leading to GFN exposure and potentially release. Since polymer photodegradation resulting from sunlight exposure is an important process outdoors, this investigation involved exposure of GFN/polymer nanocomposites to simulated sunlight conditions under both humid and dry conditions using the NIST SPHERE, a state-of-the-art accelerated weathering device. The transformation of graphene/polymer nanocomposites compared to the transformation of graphene oxide polymer nanocomposites was assessed using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, mass loss, Raman spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance-infrared spectroscopy. The effect of the transformation processes observed will be discussed in terms of material service life and environmental health and safety implications.

Graphene and graphene oxide/polymer nanocomposite transformations during accelerated outdoor weathering

256th National Meeting (2018)

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