Physicochemical properties of reduced graphite oxide conglomerated polyethylene nanocomposites

• Published in: Polymer international 2018-12, Vol.67 (12), p.1638-1647
• Main Authors: Toh, Guat Yee, Ong, Hui Lin, Bindumadhavan, Kartick, Doong, Ruey‐an
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Crystallization; Dielectric constant; Dielectric properties; gas permeability; Graphite; Industrial electronics; Low density polyethylenes; low‐density polyethylene (LDPE); Modulus of elasticity; Nanocomposites; Organic chemistry; Physicochemical properties; Polyethylene; reduced graphite oxide (rGO); Stiffness; Thermal stability; Ultraviolet radiation
• ISSN: 0959-8103; 1097-0126
• DOI: 10.1002/pi.5687

The variation in physicochemical properties on incorporation of unmodified reduced graphite oxide (rGO) into a low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix has received much attention. Herein, a simple method is developed for the fabrication of LDPE/rGO nanocomposites using a solvent casting method. The UV‐visible spectra showed that addition of rGO can effectively cut off the short‐wavelength UV‐B light, which resists the occurrence of photoreaction. The stiffness of the LDPE/rGO nanocomposites was improved by 45% with an increase of modulus of elasticity as the rGO content increases. This is slightly opposite to the small decrease of the nanocomposite tensile strength. The addition of rGO to LDPE improved the thermal stability and degree of crystallization of LDPE/rGO nanocomposites when the rGO content increases from 0.025 to 1 wt%. The gas barrier property was also improved by 26% with 0.3 wt% of rGO. The dielectric property of the LDPE/rGO nanocomposites was also evaluated for industrial electronics application and the dielectric constant increases 50% compared with the neat LDPE when 0.1–1 wt% rGO was added. Results obtained clearly indicate the feasibility of using unmodified rGO to improve the properties of LDPE matrix for meeting the performance requirements for intended use in packaging industries. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry The reduced graphite oxide conglomerated polyethylene nanocomposite was fabricated by the simple solvent cast method, whereby graphite oxide (GO) was prepared by oxidation of graphite powders with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) according to Hammers method and then chemically reduced into reduced graphite oxide (rGO) using sodium borohydride (NaBH4).