Facile synergetic dispersion approach for magnetic Fe3O4@graphene oxide/polystyrene tri-component nanocomposite via radical bulk polymerization

A synergetic dispersion strategy was developed for the preparation of the well-defined magnetic Fe3O4@graphene oxide/polystyrene (Fe3O4@GO/PS) tri-component nanocomposite by the facile one-pot in situ radical bulk polymerization of styrene in the presence of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified graphene oxide (Fe3O4@GO) magnetic hybrid with oleic acid (OA) as surface modifier. Compared with the tri-component nanocomposite prepared with the graphene oxide (GO) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles added separately, the synergetic dispersion effect via the immobilization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on GO sheets could avoid the magnetic aggregation of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles in polymer matrices. Furthermore, OA molecules adsorb onto the surfaces of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the GO nanosheets, improving efficiently the dispersibility of the GO nanosheets in styrene, which resulted to the well-dispersed Fe3O4@GO/PS tri-component nanocomposite consequently.

► A synergetic dispersion strategy was developed for tri-component nanocomposite.
► Fe3O4@GO/PS tri-component nanocomposite was prepared by bulk polymerization.
► Fe3O4@GO/PS showed excellent mechanical, thermal, and semi-conductive properties.