Hybridization of graphene sheets with polyethylene terephthalate through the process of in situ polymerization aided by ultrasound

Abstract

A new methodology to prepare hybrid graphene–polyethylenterephthalate nanocomposites by ultrasonication is reported. The hybrids were synthesized by in situ polymerization of a mixture of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) monomer and graphite oxide (GO) at 200 °C, in bulk. The hybrids were analyzed by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analyses show the grafting of PET oligomers to exfoliated graphene sheets. The results suggest that during the polymerization process exfoliation of the GO and reaction of BHET with its oxygen containing functional groups takes place. The procedure offers a new alternative to manufacture hybrid graphene–PET nanocomposites that can be used in diverse applications.