Regenerated cellulose/graphene nanocomposite films prepared in DMAC/LiCl solution

Regenerated cellulose/graphene composite films had been prepared by dispersing graphene into cellulose solution in DMAC/LiCl, and then casting the solution onto glass. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of the composite materials, compared with pure regenerated cellulose film, were significantly improved. When the graphene loading was only 0.4 wt.%, the 10% weight loss temperature increased 20 °C. The Young's modulus increased from 3.4 to 7.2 GPa, while tensile strength increased from 89 to 148 MPa when 1.6 wt.% graphene was added into cellulose film. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite film reached 3.7 × 10−6 S/cm when 1.6 wt.% graphene was incorporated. The morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The images revealed that the graphene was nano-dispersed in cellulose matrix. The effect of the graphene content in the nanocomposite material was also investigated.

► The mixed solution of cellulose and graphene was very stable.
► The transmittance of the blend films were kept above 60%.
► The exfoliation of graphene was achieved in cellulose matrix.
► The nanocomposite films also exhibited excellent mechanical and thermal properties.