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PET/Graphene Compatibilization for Different Aspect Ratio Graphenes via Trimellitic Anhydride Functionalization
Shigeru Aoyama1, Issam Ismail1, Yong Tae Park1
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States.
ACS Omega
|March 3, 2020
Summary
This study explores how graphene's aspect ratio and surface modification affect poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites. Tuning these graphene properties enhances mechanical properties like Young's modulus and elongation at break.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Graphene's unique properties offer potential for advanced composite materials.
- Surface modification and aspect ratio are critical parameters influencing graphene's performance in polymer matrices.
- Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a widely used polymer requiring enhanced mechanical properties for specific applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of trimellitic anhydride-functionalized graphene with varying aspect ratios on the mechanical properties of PET nanocomposites.
- To understand the role of graphene surface chemistry and aspect ratio in dictating plastic deformation behavior and interfacial adhesion.
- To explore the potential for tuning graphene characteristics to optimize PET/graphene composite performance.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of two types of graphene with different aspect ratios (low-A f = 20, high-A f = 80), functionalized with trimellitic anhydride.
- Melt-mixing of functionalized graphene into poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) at various loadings.
- Characterization of mechanical properties, including Young's modulus, elongation at break, and melt viscoelasticity (G').
Main Results:
- Surface-modified low-A f graphene enhanced Young's modulus and elongation at break in PET composites due to improved interfacial adhesion and network formation.
- Surface-modified high-A f graphene significantly increased Young's modulus but reduced elongation at break, attributed to denser networks and geometrical restrictions.
- Melt G' showed a slight increase for low-A f graphene composites below the percolation threshold and a significant enhancement for high-A f graphene composites across all loadings.
Conclusions:
- Tuning both the surface chemistry and aspect ratio of graphene is crucial for tailoring the mechanical properties of PET/graphene composites.
- Low aspect ratio graphene, when surface-modified, offers a balance of improved stiffness and ductility.
- High aspect ratio graphene provides substantial stiffness enhancement but requires careful consideration of its impact on ductility.
