Nanomechanical characterization of graphene platelets in polypropylene-based graphene nanocomposites using atomic force microscopy

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) operated in tapping mode was used to simultaneously obtain topographical, phase and loss tangent scans of polypropylene-graphene nanocomposite. This polymer nanocomposite was loaded with five percentage of graphene by weight. AFM force-distance curves were generated to further investigate the elasticity and adhesion of the polymer nanocomposite and to distinguish regions containing graphene or polymer within the nanocomposite. In addition, electrical properties of the nanocomposite surface were analyzed based on amplitude modulation electrostatic force microscopy.