Oleo-polyurethane-carbon nanocomposites: Effects of in-situ polymerization and sustainable precursor on structure, mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial surface-activity

Present article reports a facile synthesis of high-performance cross-linked antimicrobial oleo-polyurethane nanocomposites (PUCs) using graphite (Gr), graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) via in-situ polymerization. The synergistic effect of oleo-precursor and in-situ polymerization facilitated the formation of covalent/noncovalent interactions between GO/RGO and matrix that maximized their reinforcing property and inhibited their leaching. These interactions developed the self-engineered network with random distributions of GO/RGO within the matrix, which enhanced the tensile strength, degree of crosslinking while reducing the water uptake of PUCs. The antimicrobial studies confirmed the permanent biocidal effect of GO and RGO PUCs against both classes of bacteria via contact-killing.