Graphene Oxide Impacts the PMMA Characteristics

This study initiates the possibility of creating poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene oxide (PMMA/GO) composites, which would greatly broaden the scope of advancements in graphene-based nanocomposites. Morphological analysis revealed homogeneous dispersion of GO nanosheets up to 1.0 wt % GO, whereas GO loading more than 1.0 wt % GO induced aggregation in the PMMA structure. The inclusion of GO significantly improves the thermal stability of PMMA, demonstrating the development of a vast, heat-resistant GO network in a medium that acts as a barrier, stopping the release of degradation products during combustion. Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) findings demonstrate that the inclusion of GO has an appropriate ability to trap PMMA chains, which increases the glass transition temperature T-g values determined by the DMA and it is recommended in the presence of attractive interactions among GO and PMMA. Significant reinforcing accomplishes for GO up to optimum filling (1.0 wt %) were found with proper levels of spreading accomplished, with the development of aggregates and degradation of the mechanical characteristics at GO addition above 1.0 wt %. Tensile tests demonstrated positive increment outcomes with the GO inclusion. Increased glassy performance behavior with GO inclusion was found owing to agglomeration formation which deteriorates the GO-PMMA interface. The thermal and mechanical properties of PMMA were increased by 1.0 wt % GO. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was reduced by 42% when 0.5 wt % GO was added. The GO barrier produces twisting channels for O-2 passage at high temperatures, boosting flame retardant. The electrical conductivity of nanocomposites increased by 12 orders of magnitude to 0.0797 S/m when 5.0 wt % GO was added.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the possibility of creating poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene oxide (PMMA/GO) composites and shows that the inclusion of GO can greatly improve the thermal stability, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and flame retardant of PMMA.