Graphene based room temperature flexible nanocomposites from permanently cross-linked networks

Abstract

Graphene based room temperature flexible nanocomposites were prepared using epoxy thermosets for the first time. Flexible behavior was induced into the epoxy thermosets by introducing charge transfer complexes between functional groups within cross linked epoxy and room temperature ionic liquid ions. The graphene nanoplatelets were found to be highly dispersed in the epoxy matrix due to ionic liquid cation–π interactions. It was observed that incorporation of small amounts of graphene into the epoxy matrix significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the epoxy. In particular, a 0.6 wt% addition increased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus by 125% and 21% respectively. The electrical resistance of nanocomposites was found to be increased with graphene loading indicating the level of self-organization between the ILs and the graphene sheets in the matrix of the composite. The graphene nanocomposites were flexible and behave like ductile thermoplastics at room temperature. This study demonstrates the use of ionic liquid as a compatible agent to induce flexibility in inherently brittle thermoset materials and improve the dispersion of graphene to create high performance nanocomposite materials.

Accelerated weathering studies of bioepoxy/ionic liquid blends: influence on physical, thermo-mechanical, morphology and surface properties

“…The FTIR spectra of the ionic liquid modified bioepoxy blends before weathering and after weathering has been taken. As shown in figure 2, it is evident from the spectra that the bioepoxy/ionic liquid samples undergo stretching of the hydroxyl group [27]. A slight shift of the bands of hydroxyl functional groups to lower wavelength (3429 to 3398 cm −1 ) suggests the possible interaction between free hydroxyl groups of bioepoxy chains and the charged species of the ionic liquid.…”

“…Besides, the incorporation of ionic liquid was found to exhibit room temperature flexibility in epoxy resin. In an interesting work, Hameed et al [27] prepared flexible epoxy composites using ionic liquids that behaved like ductile thermoplastics. The composite prepared exhibited excellent transparency and room temperature flexibility, similar to thermoplastic materials.…”

Mechanical, thermal, and conductivity performances of novel thermoplastic natural rubber/graphene nanoplates/polyaniline composites

“…The 2D quantum confinement in GNPs involved in a polymer matrix and their great surface areas make the uniqueness of GNPs nanofillers where GNPs display greater capability in altering most properties, as compared with other carbon nanofillers. Therefore, GNPs are considered as perfect reinforcing filler to change the properties of the polymer …”

Investigation on mechanical, thermal, and flame retardant properties of particulate SiO2 reinforced cardanol based composites

“…Craze on epoxy thermosetting materials by the polymeric world is due to their crosslinking characteristics, low shrinkage while curing, excellent thermal stability, acquiring good insulating, mechanical, chemical, and moisture resistant properties . These properties led to the breathless utilization of the polymer products in wide range of applications such as adhesives, coatings, matrix for high performance materials, aeronautics and automotive components and so forth .…”

“…Craze on epoxy thermosetting materials by the polymeric world is due to their crosslinking characteristics, low shrinkage while curing, excellent thermal stability, acquiring good insulating, mechanical, chemical, and moisture resistant properties. [1][2][3]7,[14][15][16][17] These properties led to the breathless utilization of the polymer products in wide range of applications such as adhesives, coatings, matrix for high performance materials, aeronautics and automotive components and so forth. [5,7] The drawbacks such as non-recyclability, environmental crises, and reprotoxic nature of bisphenol-A urge researchers to focus on renewable resources like vegetable oil and agricultural waste products as a raw material for developing sustainable high performance polymeric end products.…”