Cobalt oxide/graphene composite for highly efficient CO oxidation and its application in reducing the fire hazards of aliphatic polyesters

Tricobalt tetraoxide-functionalized graphene composites (Co3O4/graphene) were prepared to reduce the fire hazards of aliphatic polyesters. Characterization of the Co3O4/graphene by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the chemical structure. The incorporation of Co3O4/graphene into both poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) and polylactide (PLA) improved the initial degradation temperature, and slowed down the thermal decomposition process. The heat release rate of PBS-Co3O4/graphene and PLA-Co3O4/graphene composites were reduced by 31% and 40%, respectively, compared with that of the pure PBS and PLA. Moreover, the addition of Co3O4/graphene significantly decreased the gaseous products, including hydrocarbons, carbonyl compounds and carbon monoxide, which is attributed to the combined properties of the barrier effect and high catalytic activity for CO oxidation of Co3O4/graphene.