Cellulose/graphite oxide composite films with improved mechanical properties over a wide range of temperature

Regenerated cellulose/graphite oxide (GO) blended films have been prepared in 6 wt.%NaOH/4 wt.%urea aqueous solution by a simple and cost effective method. The structure, thermal stability and mechanical properties of these composite films have been investigated by wide-angle X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analyses, and tensile strength measurements. The results obtained from those different studies revealed that cellulose and GO are mixed homogeneously. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of the composite materials are improved significantly over those of pure cellulose. The cellulose/GO film showed a high storage modulus up to 180 °C. The effect of the amount of GO content in the composite material has also been investigated.