Nanocomposites of Poly(1,4-cis-Isoprene) with Graphite Oxide Intercalation Compounds

Innovative nanocomposites are obtained by melt blending poly(1,4-cis-isoprene) (PI) and graphite oxide intercalation compounds (GOICs) with dimethyl di(hydrogenated tallow) ammonium (2HT) cations ionically bonded to the graphite oxide layers. GOIC samples with different contents of 2HT are prepared and homogeneously dispersed in the PI matrix. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the GOIC shows an intense 100 reflection due to the hexagonal rotator order of the methylene sequences of long alkyl chains. Said rotator order is present in the nanocomposites, in the absence of any evidence of stacked layers, suggesting the prevailing exfoliation of the GOICs. The cross-linking reaction promoted by sulfur is remarkably accelerated by the GOICs and the maximum modulus is enhanced. GOICs increase stresses at given elongations and the reinforcement under strain.