Manipulating
Dispersion and Distribution of Graphene in PLA through Novel Interface
Engineering for Improved Conductive Properties
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Abstract
This study aimed to enhance the conductive
properties of PLA nanocomposite by controlling the dispersion and
distribution of graphene within the minor phase of the polymer blend.
Functionalized graphene (<i>f</i>-GO) was achieved by reacting
graphene oxide (GO) with various silanes under the aid of an ionic
liquid. Ethylene/<i>n</i>-butyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate
terpolymer elastomer (EBA-GMA) was introduced as the minor phase to
tailor the interface of matrix/graphene through reactive compatibilization.
GO particles were predominantly dispersed in PLA in a self-agglomerating
pattern, while <i>f</i>-GO was preferentially located in
the introduced rubber phase or at the PLA/EBA-GMA interfaces through
the formation of the three-dimensional percolated structures, especially
for these functionalized graphene with reactive groups. The selective
localization of the <i>f</i>-GO also played a crucial role
in stabilizing and improving the phase morphology of the PLA blend
through reducing the interfacial tension between two phases. The establishment
of the percolated network structures in the ternary system was responsible
for the improved AC conductivity and better dielectric properties
of the resulting nanocomposites