Enhancing thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) via adding expanded graphite and injecting water

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/expanded graphite (PMMA/EG) composites are prepared using water-assisted mixing extrusion (WAME) technique. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy micrographs show that the EG exhibits better exfoliation and dispersion in the composite samples prepared with water injection than that in those without water injection. More EG layer networks and stronger PMMA-EG interfacial interaction are formed in the composite samples prepared with water injection, which are confirmed by the results of the FTIR and rheological measurements and the linear fits of experimentally obtained tensile yield stresses. The composite samples with well exfoliated and dispersed EG layers exhibit higher thermal conductivity and mechanical properties, which are ascribed to lower interfacial thermal resistance and stronger interfacial interaction, respectively. Finally, a mechanism for promoted EG exfoliation and dispersion in the PMMA matrix during the WAME is interpreted by analyzing the combined effect of injected high-pressure water with the shear force provided by the extruder screw.