http://utw10193.utweb.utexas.edu/Archive/RuoffsPDFs/160.pdf

Synthesis of graphene-based nanosheets via chemical reduction of exfoliated graphite oxide

Polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites: a review from preparation to processing

Polymer-based composites were heralded in the 1960s as a new paradigm for materials. By dispersing strong, highly stiff fibres in a polymer matrix, high-performance lightweight composites could be developed and tailored to individual applications. Today we stand at a similar threshold in the realm of polymer nanocomposites with the promise of strong, durable, multifunctional materials with low nanofiller content. However, the cost of nanoparticles, their availability and the challenges that remain to achieve good dispersion pose significant obstacles to these goals. Here, we report the creation of polymer nanocomposites with functionalized graphene sheets, which overcome these obstacles and provide superb polymer-particle interactions. An unprecedented shift in glass transition temperature of over 40 degrees C is obtained for poly(acrylonitrile) at 1 wt% functionalized graphene sheet, and with only 0.05 wt% functionalized graphene sheet in poly(methyl methacrylate) there is an improvement of nearly 30 degrees C. Modulus, ultimate strength and thermal stability follow a similar trend, with values for functionalized graphene sheet- poly(methyl methacrylate) rivaling those for single-walled carbon nanotube-poly(methyl methacrylate) composites.

/pdf/functionalized-graphene-sheets-for-polymer-nanocomposites-504wftsrhc.pdf

Functionalized graphene sheets for polymer nanocomposites

Recent advances in graphene based polymer composites

Graphene has emerged as a subject of enormous scientific interest due to its exceptional electron transport, mechanical properties, and high surface area. When incorporated appropriately, these atomically thin carbon sheets can significantly improve physical properties of host polymers at extremely small loading. We first review production routes to exfoliated graphite with an emphasis on top-down strategies starting from graphite oxide, including advantages and disadvantages of each method. Then solvent- and melt-based strategies to disperse chemically or thermally reduced graphene oxide in polymers are discussed. Analytical techniques for characterizing particle dimensions, surface characteristics, and dispersion in matrix polymers are also introduced. We summarize electrical, thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties of the graphene/polymer nanocomposites. We conclude this review listing current challenges associated with processing and scalability of graphene composites and future perspectives f...

/pdf/graphene-polymer-nanocomposites-19884oy559.pdf

Graphene/Polymer Nanocomposites

Rice husk (RH) has now become a source for a number of silicon compounds, including silicon carbide, silica, silicon nitride, silicon tetrachloride, zeolite, and pure silicon. The applications of such materials derived from rice husks are very comprehensive. The methods of synthesizing these silicon-based materials from RHs and their applications are reviewed in this paper.

Silicon-Based Materials from Rice Husks and Their Applications

Graphite oxide, a pseudo-two-dimensional solid in bulk form, was synthesized from natural graphite powder by graphite oxidation with KMnO4 in concentrated H2SO4. Poly(vinyl acetate) intercalated graphite oxide nanocomposite was prepared by an in situ intercalative polymerization reaction, in which an n-octanol–graphite oxide intercalation compound was first obtained, vinyl acetate monomer was then dispersed into the interlayer of the modified graphite oxide, followed by thermally polymerizing the monomer. It was experimentally shown that the c-axis spacing increased to 1.152 nm when poly(vinyl acetate) was intercalated into the interlayer space of the graphite oxide. Thermal analysis and FT-IR spectrometry were also used to characterize the nanocomposite. The extractability of the intercalated poly(vinyl acetate) and the electrical properties of the nanocomposite were evaluated.

Kecheng Gong

Papers

Silicon-Based Materials from Rice Husks and Their Applications

Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl acetate)-intercalated graphite oxide nanocomposite

Synthesis and properties of polystyrene/graphite nanocomposites

Preparation of exfoliated graphite/polystyrene composite by polymerization-filling technique

Direct synthesis of a polyaniline-intercalated graphite oxide nanocomposite