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Promoting interfacial interactions between model polymers and graphene oxide
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Abbas, Syeda (2021) Promoting interfacial interactions between model polymers and graphene oxide. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.
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Official URL: http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b3678118~S15
Abstract
There continues to be intense research effort focused on the use of 2D materials such as graphene(s) as functional fillers for polymer matrices. However, there remains the non-trivial task of dispersing graphene(s) in the polymer matrix of interest and minimising agglomerations due to insufficient interaction between the polymer and the graphene. The work described in this thesis provides routes to addressing this technical challenge via functionalisation of graphene oxide (GO) to promote interactions with three model polymers, both polar and non-polar.
Firstly, GO was functionalised with vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMOS), as the latter has three hydrolysable groups that are able to graft with the surface of GO and yet provide a pendant vinyl group free to cross-link with PE during extrusion. Successful cross-linking of VTMOS-rGO with a LDPE matrix resulted in an increase in Young’s modulus (E, ↑ 31%) tensile strength at break (σb, ↑ 55%).
Second, for the case of PP, PP-g-MA was used to achieve compatibility between PP and GO, by both co-crystallisation of the PP component of PP-g-MA with bulk PP and binding of MA (maleic anhydride) to the functional group on rGO. This led to formation of a percolated network between and a substantial increase in tensile toughness (Wb ↑ 1316 %) and elongation at break (εB ↑ 854 %) relative to neat PP. An interconnected filler-filler and filler-polymer network was readily formed at lower rGO loading.
Finally for PVC, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) was chosen to functionalise with GO as three hydrolysable groups grafted to GO and the free amine interacted with the PVC. Formation of APTES-rGO reaction led to successful exfoliation of the GO layers which were easily dispersed in PVC via solution mixing. Thorough mixing led to intermolecular interactions i.e. (hydrogen and halogen bonding) between the amine and siloxane of APTES-rGO with the PVC which resulted in an increase in elongation at break (εB,↑ 42 % and tensile toughness (Wb ↑ 36 %) relative to neat PVC.
Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) | ||||
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Subjects: | T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TS Manufactures |
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Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Nanostructured materials, Nanocomposites (Materials), Polymers -- Industrial applications, Polymeric composites, Graphene -- Industrial applications, Fillers (Materials) | ||||
Official Date: | January 2021 | ||||
Dates: |
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Institution: | University of Warwick | ||||
Theses Department: | Warwick Manufacturing Group | ||||
Thesis Type: | PhD | ||||
Publication Status: | Unpublished | ||||
Supervisor(s)/Advisor: | McNally, Tony (Nanotechnologist) | ||||
Sponsors: | University of Warwick ; Jaguar Land Rover (Firm) | ||||
Format of File: | |||||
Extent: | xxx, 225 leaves : illustrations (some colour) | ||||
Language: | eng |
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