Improving the thermal and mechanical properties of polysulfone by incorporation of graphene oxide

Nanocomposites of polysulfone (PSF)-graphene oxide (GO) were prepared by classical phase inversion method. The structural and surface features and the mechanical and thermal performances of the prepared materials were investigated in detail. TEM and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated a good compatibility and excellent dispersability with PSF matrix for the low GO content (0.25, 0.5 and 1 wt.%) composites. It was observed that GO dispersion was reasonably homogeneous for the composite with 2 wt.% GO. The mechanical properties of the prepared materials were found to be greatly enhanced by the addition of GO for some compositions. The thermogravimetrical investigation demonstrated considerable improvements in thermal stability for the composite with low GO content. This novel material offers a feasible candidate for practical membrane application. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.