Functionalization of Graphene Nanoplatelet and the Shape Memory Properties of Nanocomposite Based on Thermoplastic Elastomer Polyurethane/Poly(vinyl chloride)/Graphene Nanoplateletes

In this study, shape memory polymers (SMPs) based on thermoplastic polyurethane/ poly(vinylchloride)/ graphen nanoplatelet  (TPU/PVC/GNP) were produced via solution method using tetrahydrofuran(THF) solvent. Blend ratio of the all samples was 60/40 (w/w) and GNP concentration were 0.5, 1 and 2 W.t% from neat and functionalized GNP. In order to get better dispersion of GNP and inhibit from their agglomeration, functionalization with polycaprolactam was accomplished. At first, nanoparticles were treated with nitric acid and in the next step acylation was done using tionylcholride and finally polycaprolactam was grafted on the surface of nano platelet graphen. The functionaliztion reactions were tracked using fourier transfer infra red (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and ultraviolet chromatography.The results of these tests showed the successful reaction has been occurred and polycaprolactam was grafted on the surface of GNP. The presence of new peaks in FTIR spectra at 1165 and cm-1 and the loss weight in TGA by 10 and 30wt. % for modified nanoparticles in comparison to pristine one revealed the successful occurrence of modifications reaction reactions.Morphology of the samples was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the results depicted that a fine dispersion of graphen nanoplatelet  was obtained in comparison to samples including unfunctionalized nanoparticles.  Shape memory induction and the measurement of shape fixity and shape recovery were done using thermal-mechanical analyzer (TMA). The results showed that the shape fixity was increased from 76.8 to 83% and shape recovery was increased from 81.5 to 86.7% for the sample containing modified GNp due to better dispersion of the nanoparticles

Investigating the effect of graphene oxide nanosheets on the barrier properties of high density polyethylene coated by layer-by-layer assembly method

Hypothesis: A nanocomposite layer including graphene nanosheets could be used to enhance the barrier properties of high density polyethylene through a layer-by-layer assembly method. Planar graphene nanoparticles help to decrease the gas permeability of polyethylene substrates by making a tortuous pathway for gas molecules transmittance.Methods: Two different methods were used to increase the barrier properties of high density polyethylene and the results were compared with each other. In the first method, a thin film of polymer nanocomposite including graphene oxide nanoparticles and polyvinyl alcohol was coated on the surface of high density polyethylene film using a film applicator. The effective variables in this method were the weight fraction of graphene oxide particles in polyvinyl alcohol and thickness of the nanocomposite layer. In the second method, a layer-by-layer assembly was used. Chitosan solution acted as a positive charge and graphene oxide suspension in water was utilized as a negative charge.Findings: In high density polyethylene samples coated by polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite (10 micrometers), the oxygen transmittance rate decreased drastically to 3 cm3m2 bar. This decrease was expected due to the structure of polyvinyl alcohol and its inherent barrier properties. By adding graphene oxide into polyvinyl alcohol, the permeability values showed a slight decrease and reached 0.8 cm3 m2 bar.Statistical analysis based on the surface response method for the layer-by-layer method showed that permeability depends on pH, number of bilayers and graphene concentration. At high pH, the graphene oxide sheets take on a smoother and more stretched shape and are more likely to aggregate, which increases permeability

Shear-Induced Crystallization of Poly(lactic acid)/Graphene Nanocomposite

The method by which a polymer structure develops during polymer processing has important effects on the quality of final product. Among the structural development methods, crystallization process is of the highest interest. In this study, isothermal crystallization behavior of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and its nanocomposites with graphene was investigated under quiescent and shear conditions. Neat PLA and its noncomposites containing 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 wt% graphene were prepared via melt mixing method in an internal mixer. Structural analysis and crystallization behavior of the nanocomposites before and after applying shear stress were investigated by differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analyses. The effect of shear rate, shear time and concentration of nano-graphene on the progress of crystallization process was studied at 135°C using rheometic method. The preshear rates of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.1 and 1.8 s-1 were applied at temperature of 200°C for 60 s. The increase of storage modulus indicated to the formation of crystalline structure. Results showed that by increasing nano-graphene content the storage modulus was rapidly reached its ultimate value and the induction time of crystallization was decreased. The crystallization process was enhanced by applying preshear stress, particularly in high concentration of nano-graphene platelets. Increasing the shear time to 300 and 600 s, the induction time was decreased. DSC analysis results showed that degree of crystallization increased after applying preshear stress

Compatibility, Morphology, Mechanical Properties and Biodegradability of Poly(styrene-ethylene-propylenestyrene)/ Modified Thermoplastic Starch Blends

The effect of modified starch on the properties of poly(styrene-ethylenepropylene- styrene) tri-block copolymer was studied. Chemical treatment of starch with maleic anhydride was accomplished in an internal mixer in the presence of glycerol. The reaction was confirmed using Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and titration. The blend samples containing 10, 20, 30 and 50 wt% were obtained by melt blending and their mechanical, morphological and dynamic-mechanical properties were studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images displayed droplet-matrix morphology and with increases in modified starch up to 50 wt% some partial co-continuous morphology was also observed. With increase of modified starch in the compound, the size of dispersed phase increased. DMTA results revealed that the partial compatibility was obtained because of slight difference between glass transition temperatures of two phases in the presence of modified starch. The peak of modified starch shifted to higher values and the differences between the two peaks decreased, indicating partial compatibility. Mechanical properties including tensile, elongation-at-break and modulus were also determined and the results showed that the mechanical properties of the sample were higher than those of neat TPS because of the higher compatibility. Tensile strength was decreased with increase in modified starch content due to the absence of strong interfacial adhesion. Moduli of the samples were increased with increase in modified starch content due to higher stiffness of starch. Biodegradability of the samples was evaluated by weight loss percentage using compost test. A rapid degradation was observed in the first 45 days and with increase of the modified starch content the degree of degradation was increased