Largely enhanced thermal and mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites via incorporating C₆₀@graphene nanocarbon hybrid

Abstract

Although considerable progress has been achieved to create advanced polymer nanocomposites using nanocarbons including fullerene (C60) and graphene, it remains a major challenge to effectively disperse them in a polymer matrix and to fully exert their extraordinary properties. Here we report a novel approach to fabricate the C60@graphene nanocarbon hybrid (C60: ~47.9 wt%, graphene: ~35.1%) via three-step reactions. The presence of C60 on a graphene sheet surface can effectively prevent the aggregation of the latter which in turn helps the dispersion of the former in a polymer matrix during melt-processing. C60@graphene is found to be uniformly dispersed in a polypropylene (PP) matrix. Compared with pristine C60 or graphene, C60@graphene further improves the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PP. The incorporation of 2.0 wt% C60@graphene (relative to PP) can remarkably increase the initial degradation temperature by around 59 ° C and simultaneously enhance the tensile strength and Young's modulus by 67% and 76%, respectively, all of which are higher than those of corresponding PP/C60 (graphene) nanocomposites. These significant performance improvements are mainly due to the free-radical-trapping effect of C60, and the thermal barrier and reinforcing effects of graphene nanosheets as well as the effective stress load transfer. This work provides a new methodology to design multifunctional nanohybrids for creating advanced materials.

The Effects of Thermoplastic Polyurethane on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Modified Polypropylene Blends

“…Under common processing conditions, isotactic PP often shows an α crystalline form. Figure 3C shows that, in the XRD test, when 2θ was 14.1°, 16.8°, 18.5°, 21.3°, and 21.8°, the corresponding Bragg diffraction characteristic peaks of PP were accompanied by crystal plane diffraction of (110), (040), (130), (111), and (131) [1,[12][13][14]. The results illustrated that, for PP90/TPU10 and MPP/TPU, the diffraction peak remained the same, indicating that adding TPU did not create a new crystalline structure [15,16].…”

Graphene-based flame retardants: a review

“…Carbon-based nanomaterials such as carbon nanotube [134,135], nanodiamond [136] and C 60 [137] are generally considered to be eco-friendly materials with remarkable thermal characteristics, mechanical properties and flame retardancy. The use of carbon family materials to enhance the mechanical properties of polymer has been studied for a long time, but few studies are concerned about the effectiveness of carbon materials as a barrier in promoting the thermal stability of polymer and in inhibiting fire of flame retardants [104,138,139].…”

“…In fact, for C 60 , not only act as the fortifiers for graphene and barriers but also have a free radical trapping effect in polymeric matrices. Song et al [137] incorporated C 60 into graphene via three-step reactions, and they found that the as-prepared C 60 @graphene exhibits uniform dispersion in PP matrices while the C 60 on the surface of GNs can prevent their aggregation. As a result, the interaction of nanofiller and polymer matrices is effectively improved and the mechanical properties of the PP-based composite are enhanced, thanks to the free radical-trapping effect of C 60 and the thermal barrier effect of graphene layers.…”

Investigation of structural and electrical properties of novel CuO–PVA nanocomposite films

“…Electronic polarization occurs during very short intervals of time, ionic polarization in the range of a few seconds, whereas the dipole polarization takes relatively longer durations [15]. Polymer nanocomposites are known to possess good barrier, mechanical properties [16], reduced flammability [17], increased heat distortion temperature [18] and reduced solvent uptake [19].…”

“…CuO, as a nanopowder has also been used as a catalyst in adsorption studies for wastewater treatment and for antimicrobial applications [13]. In addition to this, CuO nanoparticles find applications in nanofluids [14]; CuO and Cu 2 O nanospheres are used in sensitive gas sensors [15] and in supercapacitors [16] as well.…”