Triblock copolymer grafted Graphene oxide as nanofiller for toughening of epoxy resin

Inspired by the mechanical strength produced by Graphene oxide (GO) and Polyethylene Glycol-b-Polypropylene Glycol-b-Polyethylene Glycol (TBCP) block copolymer separately in epoxy composites, we have incorporated both these materials in the form of a graft (GO-g-TBCP) in epoxy. This idea of exploiting the synergistic effect of nanofiller and block copolymer in the form of a graft in the epoxy matrix is a maiden attempt. The grafting process was confirmed through FTIR, FTNMR, XPS, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Both GO-g-TBCP and GO were incorporated into epoxy and the mechanical properties of the composites were analysed. The fracture toughness showed a tremendous improvement of about 400% without affecting the inherent tensile properties. GO-g-TBCP toughened epoxy displayed about 100% improvement in storage modulus and 33% improvement in tensile strength. These enhanced properties were explained by probing into the sequential arrangement of the nanostructures into a fractal-like structure with the help of HRTEM and SEM micrographs.