Preparation of functionalized graphene/linear low density polyethylene composites by a solution mixing method

• Published in: Carbon (New York) 2011-03, Vol.49 (3), p.1033-1037
• Main Authors: Kuila, Tapas, Bose, Saswata, Hong, Chang Eui, Uddin, Md Elias, Khanra, Partha, Kim, Nam Hoon, Lee, Joong Hee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Density; Electrical resistivity; Exact sciences and technology; Fullerenes and related materials; diamonds, graphite; Graphene; Materials science; Physics; Polyethylenes; Polymer matrix composites; Resistivity; Specific materials; Tensile strength; Thermal degradation
• ISSN: 0008-6223; 1873-3891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2010.10.031

Single layer graphene/LLDPE composite was successfully obtained by simple solution mixing of LLDPE and dodecyl amine modified graphene. [Display omitted] ► Dodecyl amine modified graphene has been successfully prepared by nucleophilic addition method. ► AFM reveals the formation of single layer graphene with a thickness of 1.2–1.5 nm. ► Functionalized graphene/linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) composites show much improved properties comparing to neat LLDPE. The surface modification of graphene as well as the characterization of modified graphene-based polymer composite prepared by solution mixing techniques was examined. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed to examine the surface modification and formation of graphene. The tensile strength of the composite increased with 3 wt.% of DA-G loading and was 46% higher than that of neat LLDPE. The onset thermal degradation temperature of the composite (3 wt.% of DA-G) was increased by ∼40 °C compared to neat LLDPE. A sharp increase in electrical conductivity of the composite was observed at 3 wt.% of DA-G content.