Graphene for reducing bubble defects and enhancing mechanical properties of graphene/cellulose acetate composite films

In this study, we have demonstrated a strategy by which graphene was used to reduce the bubble defects and enhance the mechanical properties in graphene/cellulose acetate (Gr/CA) composite films. Mono- and multi-layer graphene flakes were successfully prepared in the water-acetone mixtures by a jet cavitation method. Moreover, outstanding enhancement of mechanical properties of Gr/CA composite films were obtained at relatively low concentration of graphene flakes. Young's modulus of these composite films increased linearly with the graphene flakes loading, due to the significantly high surface area of graphene and strong interactions between graphene flake and CA. Furthermore, three-dimensional channel formed by graphene flakes could increase the degassing speed and reduce the negative effects of bubbles. The Gr/CA composite has excellent mechanical properties and, more importantly, it is a natural and environmentally friendly polymer composite.