Developing functional epoxy/graphene composites using facile in-situ mechanochemical approach

The awareness of developing eco-friendly polymer composites via green chemistry attract much attention in the recent years. In the current work, we explore preparing functional epoxy/ graphene nanocomposites using mechanochemical approach. Graphene platelets (GnPs) were modified with long-chain surfactant via high-energy ball milling. Modified-GnPs (m-GnPs) promote the dispersion quality and interface strength with epoxy matrix leading to higher mechanical properties, and better electrical and thermal conductivity compared to unmodified GnPs system. At 2.0 vol% m-GnPs, elastic modulus, tensile strength, and thermal conductivity of epoxy were improved by 889%, 163%, and 105%, respectively. In addition, percolation threshold of electrical conductivity was observed at 0.71 vol% m-GnPs. Halpin-Tsai micromechanical model was able to predict the elastic modulus of the epoxy/GnP nanocomposites. The model results were compared experimental measurements. Furthermore, the measurements showed epoxy/m-GnP film possess high sensitivity to mechanical strains and impact loads. The current work gives a step forward to use mechanochemistry approach in the production of functional epoxy/graphene composites.

Automated summary

The development of eco-friendly polymer composites using green chemistry has attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, functional epoxy/graphene nanocomposites were prepared using a mechanochemical approach. Graphene platelets (GnPs) were modified with a long-chain surfactant through high-energy ball milling, resulting in improved dispersion and interface strength with the epoxy matrix. At 2.0 vol% m-GnPs, the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and thermal conductivity of the epoxy were significantly enhanced by 889%, 163%, and 105%, respectively. The study also showed that the epoxy/m-GnP film exhibited high sensitivity to mechanical strains and impact loads. The use of mechanochemistry in the production of functional epoxy/graphene composites represents a significant advancement.