Poly(propylene)/Graphene Nanoplatelet Nanocomposites: Melt Rheological Behavior and Thermal, Electrical, and Electronic Properties

• Published in: Macromolecular chemistry and physics 2011-09, Vol.212 (18), p.1951-1959
• Main Authors: Li, Yunfeng, Zhu, Jiahua, Wei, Suying, Ryu, Jongeun, Sun, Luyi, Guo, Zhanhu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Electrical conductivity; Electrical resistivity; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Graphene; graphene nanoplatelets; melt rheological behavior; Melts; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; poly(propylene); Polymer industry, paints, wood; Resistivity; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 1022-1352; 1521-3935; 1521-3935
• DOI: 10.1002/macp.201100263

Poly(propylene) polymer nanocomposites containing graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) with different loadings are fabricated via a facile ex‐situ solution approach. Improved thermal stability and higher crystallinity are observed in the PNCs. Both electrical conductivity and real permittivity increase with increasing GnP loading. Electrical conductivity percolation is observed at 12.0 wt% GnP. The rheological behavior of the PNC melts are also investigated. It is found that the modulus and viscosity are reduced at small GnP loadings and increased above a critical loading. PP nanocomposites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets are made using a PP/xylene solution strategy. The resulted nanocomposites show a threshold loading at 10.0–12.0wt% analyzed by electric conductivity. Improved thermal stability and crystallinity are observed in the nanocomposites. The GnP loading has a significant impact on the rheological behavior of the polymer nanocomposite melts.