Molecular level dispersion of graphene in polymer matrices using colloidal polymer and graphene

A novel and environmentally friendly method based on mixing of colloidal polymer particles and graphene sheets has been developed. It is found that colloidal polymers can be employed to stabilize graphene oxide (GO) sheets during reduction to graphene. Adsorption of polymer particles at the surface of graphene layers seems to be underlying mechanism of stabilization of graphene sheets. Surface polarity of the polymer particles is crucial for the successful stabilization of graphene layers. Presence of colloidal particles at the surface of graphene prohibits restacking and agglomeration of nanolayers, resulting in fine dispersion of graphene throughout the polymeric matrix. Formation of strong bond between polar segments of the polymer chain and oxygen groups of graphene sheets generates a strong interface improving final properties of the composites. Inclusion of merely 2 wt% of graphene into an acrylic resin resulted in an increase of 522% and 242% in modulus and hardness, respectively.

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► Stable dispersion of graphene-polymer by using latex technology is achieved.
► Interparticle interaction plays a key role on assembly of colloidal particles.
► Graphene was successfully stabilized using polymers particles with hydrophilic shell.
► Fine dispersion of graphene in the polymer matrix assure during the colloid drying.