Fabrication and physical properties of poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/modified graphene nanocomposite
writer：Hua Lei, Chen Qixian, Yin Jing, Zhang Chunqiu, Xiaoli Wang, Feng Xin, Yang Jinjun
keywords：fabrication; graphene; poly(ε-caprolactone); property
source：期刊
specific source：Macromolecular Materials and Engineering
Issue time：2017年
A chemical strategy is attempted to modify graphene for its facilitated dispersion in
poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) matrix. Herein, graphite oxide is subjected to sequential treatment
with phenyl isocyanate and vitamin C (VC) to yield graphene nanosheets (iG-VC). It is noteworthy
that following the reduction treatment, iG-VC graphene sheets exfoliate within the PCL matrix
and show appreciable interfacial compatibility with PCL matrix in organic solvent by virtue of
improved polarity from isocyanate treatment. The tensile yield strength and Young''''''''s modulus of
the PCL/iG-VC composite exhibit pronounced enhancement as compared to neat PCL, despite of
mere composition of graphene sheets. The tensile yield stress of composite is increased notably
to reach 18.6 MPa at 3 wt% graphene sheets as compared to neat PCL. Likewise, Young''''''''s modulus
of composite is observed to increase from 370 to 470 MPa at
5 wt% graphene sheets. Moreover, the crystallization temperature
(Tc) and crystallinity of PCL increase significantly upon
incorporation of small amount of iG-VC. Ultimately, functional
role of iG-VC graphene sheets is demonstrated in enhancing
electrical conductivity of PCL-based nanocomposites. The plausible
mechanisms are also proposed to explain the increased
Tc, improved mechanical property, and improved electrical
conductivity of PCL/iG-VC composite.