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Dispersing Graphene in Hydroxypropyl Cellulose by Utilizing its LCST Behavior
Author(s) -
Liao Ruijuan,
Lei Yanda,
Wan Jingjing,
Tang Zhenghai,
Guo Baochun,
Zhang Liqun
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
macromolecular chemistry and physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.57
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1521-3935
pISSN - 1022-1352
DOI - 10.1002/macp.201200137
Subject(s) - lower critical solution temperature , graphene , hydroxypropyl cellulose , materials science , percolation threshold , polymer , chemical engineering , dispersion (optics) , percolation (cognitive psychology) , composite material , polymer chemistry , copolymer , nanotechnology , electrical resistivity and conductivity , physics , engineering , optics , neuroscience , electrical engineering , biology
A novel method for producing graphene/hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) composite with a fine dispersion of graphene is established. The thermoresponsive HPC, with low a critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior, becomes self‐associated into nanospheres when its homogeneous solution is heated to a temperature higher than the LCST. The formed nanospheres of HPC can then “clamp” graphene layers and get them finely dispersed in solution and in the polymer matrix. Incorporating graphene via this method can largely prevent graphene from agglomeration. Compared with the conventional casting method, the proposed LCST method can further enhance the electrical conductivity of HPC/graphene composites by 2–3 orders of magnitude. The percolation threshold value of RGO loading is as low as 0.11 vol%.