Study of nanocomposites synthesized from graphene based nanomaterials

Abstract

Graphene is well known for higher mechanical strength and conductivity with excellent chemical stability and popularly used as strengthening agent in polymeric structures basically known as polymeric nanocomposites. The closed hexagonal structure of graphene provides high stability to chemical attack that lacks its binding nature to reactants. By the use of specific chemical agents, one can functionalise it and bind it with other functional groups. The degree of functionalization can be varied to generate required properties and dispersity of graphene in solvents or polymer matrix. The physical, chemical, optical, and electrical properties of polymer nanocomposite can be altered by the addition of chemically reactive functional nanofillers. The introduction of functional Nano fillers in composite provides unique attributes which could be customized to desirable properties. newline When at least one of its elements has dimensions that are in the nanoscale range, a composite material is said to be a nanocomposite. Nanocomposites are found in our surroundings and nature, for example bones, plant cell wall etc. Chapter 1 is a brief introduction on the work done in literature in the area of different methods for synthesis of carbon-based nanomaterials, particularly 2D graphene-based materials and nanocomposites. newline Chapter 2 focuses on the strategy to design high performance thermoplastic- polymer based nanocomposites with excellent qualities for mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical use in future applications of smart materials. The materials and methods for nanocomposites preparation in this study are described, encompassing the thermoplastic polyurethane and edge functionalized graphene as nanofillers with a varied weight fraction of fillers loading. The better dispersion in a polymer matrix has been achieved using edge-specific functionalization of few layer graphene flakes for improved mechanical and conduction properties.