Key Factor of Graphene Localization on Electrical Conductive Properties of Graphene Filled Polyethylene/Polypropylene Composites during Melt Blending

Abstract

The effect of surfactant-exfoliated graphene (SEG) on the morphology of SEG-filled polyethylene (PE)/ polypropylene (PP) blends has been investigated by image analysis of transmission electron microscope. The electrical conductivity of SEG-filled PE/PP composites strongly depends on the localization of SEG. From theoretical considerations of a previous paper by one of the authors, it is found that the transfer dynamics as well as the stability of different solid nano-fillers at the blends interface reveals a strong dependence on the nano-filler's aspect ratio. The appropriate control of processing conditions and the selective localization of SEG in the PE/PP composites are key tools to design conducting polymer composites. When the selective localization of SEG is optimized at the PE/PP blends interface, the electrical conductivity reaches 1.86 × 10 -5 S/m for a low percolation at 1 wt %, in sharp compared to 7 wt % if the localization of SEG has not been optimized.

Fabrication of reinforced and toughened PC/PMMA composites by tuning the migration and selective location of graphenes during melt blending

“…11 Zhu et al also found that the thermal conductivity of polymer blends could be greatly enhanced when GNs are trapped at the interface of the blend, and the blend achieved an extremely low thermal percolation threshold. 5,12 Differently, Ray et al 3 reported that enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of biodegradable polylactide/poly(3-caprolactone) (PLA/PCL) blends could also be achieved by selectively distributing functionalized GNs in the dispersion PCL phase, as the functionalized GNs improve the crystallization property of PCL. Obviously, still there is no consistent cognition regarding the effect of selective distribution of GNs on the performance of the polymer blend.…”

“…In fact, the migration and selective location of layered nanoparticles during the melting process and its effect on microstructure and nal property of the polymer blend are very complicated, dependent on the specic thermodynamic and kinetic conditions such as components, surface property of the nanoparticles, melt-compounding sequences and mixing times of the polymer blend, and shear rates. 4,11,12 Despite the abovementioned attempts, the migration mechanism and effect of selective location of GNs on the property of polymer blends are still insufficient, which need to be supplemented and summarized. Therefore, numerous further specic studies are still needed.…”

Non-Isothermal Crystallization Behavior and Thermal Properties of Polyethylene Tuned by Polypropylene and Reinforced with Reduced Graphene Oxide

“…On the other hand, very few studies have been conducted on the impact of RGO on PE/PP compatibilization and performance enhancement. Tu and coworkers studied how RGO affects PE/PP electrical and mechanical properties, when employing different mixing times and speeds [ 15 ], as well as different orders of mixing [ 16 ]. However, the literature is lacking reports on PE/PP/RGO thermal stability and heat deformation resistance.…”