Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5202640 | Polymer Degradation and Stability | 2012 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
A thermogravimetric study in both nitrogen and air atmospheres has been carried out on unfilled and graphene-reinforced solid and foamed polycarbonate. Polycarbonate foams were prepared using a supercritical CO2 dissolution one-step batch foaming process. Results showed that polycarbonate displayed a characteristic one-step decomposition under nitrogen, while three-step degradation was observed in air. In addition, as-received pristine graphene nanoplatelets displayed a three-step degradation in air, compared to a mild degradation under nitrogen. It was found that the thermal stability remarkably improved for the foamed composites, related to a combination of a heat transfer reduction promoted by the insulating cellular structure and the presence of the platelet-like graphene, which helped create a physical barrier effect, delaying the escape of volatile products generated during decomposition.
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Authors
G. Gedler, M. Antunes, V. Realinho, J.I. Velasco,