Graphene oxide–gellan gum–sodium alginate nanocomposites: synthesis, characterization, and mechanical behavior

Abstract

This paper reports the preparation and characterization of graphene oxide–gellan gum–sodium alginate nanocomposites (GO–GG–Alg). The nanocomposites were prepared by a simple solution mixing-evaporation method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractions, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and mechanical testing were conducted to study the structure and properties of the nanocomposites. The obtained findings reveal that gellan gum, sodium alginate, and graphene oxide are able to form a homogeneous mixture. Small amount of GO loading on GO–GG–Alg drastically improves its tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Detailed material characteristics of the nanocomposites are addressed.

Keywords:

• gellan gum
• graphene oxide
• nanocomposite
• tensile strength
• Raman spectra
• Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Pioneer Research Center Program (NRF-2013M3C1A3059586) of National Research Foundation, Republic of Korea.