Formation of graphene oxide-based ordered structures in epoxy: effect of grafted polymer chains

ABSTRACT

Graphene oxide (GO) has high potential for grafting of polymer chains. This mostly enhances exfoliation or controls structure-directing effects in thermoplastic blends, whereas various complex arrays may be formed in the case of epoxy thermosets. This study reveals that the structure of these arrays is markedly influenced by parameters of grafted polymer chains and geometry of grafting. The best-balanced properties were found for nacre-mimicking lamellar arrays with an important role of internal structure and elasticity of grafted chains. Beneficial is s relatively thick “elastic interlayer” of grafted butadiene‐acrylonitrile copolymer with toughening effect comparable to much higher content of free polymer addition.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Epoxy nanocomposites
• mechanical properties
• microstructure
• graphene oxide
• grafting

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by Czech Science Foundation (Grant No. 19-06065S)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplementary data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed on the publisher’s website.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Grantová Agentura České Republiky [19-06065S].

Notes on contributors

Ivan Kelnar

Ivan Kelnar is head of the Department of nanostructured polymers and composites at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. The research is mainly focused on structure-properties relationships, mechanisms of mechanical energy absorption and role of interface in heterogeneous polymer systems. Most of the research is done within national and international projects, published in more than 90 papers.

Ludmila Kaprálková

Ludmila Kaprálková is researcher in Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry AS CR more than 30 years and she has experience in preparation of polymer blends, polymer nanocomposites, biodegradable materials and their mechanical properties. She is co-author of more than 45 international research articles.

Sabina Krejčíková

Sabina Krejčíková is currently a research fellow in Department of Polymer Morphology in the Institute of Macromolecelar Chemistry of Czech Academy of Sciences.  She has 10 years experience in microscopy of polymer systems and in measuring of local mechanical properties. She has 24 publications in international journals, contributed to 3 patents and 1 book chapter.

Alexander Zhigunov

Alexander Zhigunov, is a research fellow in Department of NMR Spectroscopy at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry. He co-authored 88 publications in peer-reviewed journals with almost 1000 citations. His current research interests include: Small-angle and Wide-angle X-ray scattering analysis; characterization and structure-property relationships of new polymeric materials, including organic–inorganic nanocomposites/hybrid materials and thin films.

Jiří Dybal

Jiří Dybal is the head of the Department of Vibrational Spectroscopy at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague. He has research experience in the field of Infrared, Raman, NMR spectroscopy, theoretical calculations, biodegradable polymers and polymer composites. He has published more than 200 articles in polymer chemistry and material science.

Lukáš Pavlovec

Lukáš Pavlovec is the currently Ph.D. fellow at the University of Chemistry and Technology and at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry ASCR, Prague. His research area includes of organic synthesis, polymer analogous reactions and preparation of polymer membranes. He is co-author of 10 international research articles.

Miroslav Janata

Miroslav Janatais currently a senior research fellow in the Department of Controlled Polymer Synthesis, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague.His current research interests include of organic synthesis, polymer analogous reactions and polymerizations. He has published more than 66 articles in polymer chemistry.