Preparation and properties of graphene nanosheets-polystyrene nanocomposites via in situ emulsion polymerization

Graphene nanosheets-polystyrene nanocomposites were prepared by in situ emulsion polymerization and reduction of graphene oxide using hydrazine hydrate. PS microspheres covalently linked to the edges of graphene nanosheets. The polystyrene-absorbed graphene has been dispersed well in the solvents of toluene and chloroform. The nanocomposites display high electrical conductivity, and a considerable increase in glass-transition temperature and good thermal stability of PS are also achieved. The facile and environmental-friendly technique presented here is an effective and promising method of functionalization of graphene sheets by polymers or other compounds. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.