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The preparation and properties of polystyrene/functionalized graphene nanocomposite foams using supercritical carbon dioxide
Author(s) -
Li Chaoqun,
Yang Guanghui,
Deng Hua,
Wang Ke,
Zhang Qin,
Chen Feng,
Fu Qiang
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.4394
Subject(s) - supercritical carbon dioxide , nanocomposite , graphene , materials science , nucleation , polystyrene , oxide , supercritical fluid , chemical engineering , surface modification , composite material , nanotechnology , polymer , organic chemistry , chemistry , engineering , metallurgy
In this work, polystyrene ( PS )/functionalized graphene nanocomposite foams were prepared using supercritical carbon dioxide. Thermally reduced graphene oxide ( TRG ) and graphene oxide ( GO ) were incorporated into the PS . Subsequently, the nanocomposites were foamed with supercritical CO 2 . The morphology and properties of the nanocomposites and the nucleation efficiency of functionalized graphene in foaming PS are discussed. Compared with GO , TRG exhibited a higher nucleation efficiency and more effective cell expansion inhibition thanks to its larger surface area and better exfoliated structure. It is suggested that the factors that have a significant influence on the nucleation efficiency of TRG and GO originate from the differences in surface properties and chemical structure. Furthermore, PS / TRG nanocomposites and their nanocomposite foams also possess good electrical properties which enable them to be used as lightweight functional materials.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry