Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites continue to draw considerable research interest due to their versatility in terms of physicochemical, mechanical and electrical properties for a variety of applications. However, many significant challenges still remain pertaining primarily to the restacking of graphene or reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets within the polymer matrix. The restacking of the rGO sheets compromises the final properties (especially electrical conductivity) of the nanocomposite. To mitigate the impact of restacking, rGO loading is traditionally increased in the nanocomposite. However, the intrinsic challenge of restacking of rGO sheets within the nanocomposite remains. We have developed synthetic strategies based on miniemulsion polymerisation using GO as a surfactant to fabricate polymer particles decorated with GO sheets (Figure 1). The polymer matrix was designed to induce ambient temperature film formation without considerable restacking of rGO sheets within the polymer/rGO nanocomposite films. The developed approach allowed us to tailor the physicochemical, electrical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites on demand. We will demonstrate that simple adjustments in synthetic strategy and reaction conditions can fundamentally change the orientation and arrangement of GO sheets within the nanocomposite films, leading to significant control over the nanocomposite properties. In addition, the importance of surfactant chemistry in polymer/rGO nanocomposite properties will also be highlighted.

Tuning polymer/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite properties using emulsion-based approaches

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.