Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization from graphene oxide: A way towards fine tuning of electric conductivity and electro-responsive capabilities

Presence of the tertiary amine in the reaction mixture during surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) possess dual functionality, reduction of the graphene oxide (GO) and proceed the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chain growth simultaneously. In the certain ratio between the ligand and GO, the slight reduction of the GO can be achieved and thus fine tuning of the conductivity is possible. Such benefits were utilized in the development of the novel dispersed phase based on GO-PMMA hybrid particles and their silicone oil suspensions for which their electro-responsive capabilities were investigated. This approach provides system which is very effective at very low particles concentrations (10 wt%) and serving the shear stresses from 5 to 95 Pa depending on the conductivity of particles and applied external electric field.