Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide filled ethylene methyl acrylate hybrid nanocomposites

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) filled ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) hybrid nanocomposites containing both organic–inorganic features were prepared through a solution mixing method. The morphologies of the graphene oxide within the polymer matrices were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Enhanced dispersion of GO through EMA by exfoliation of the graphene oxide layers were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and this value is also supported by the RMS roughness value obtained from AFM analysis. Raman spectroscopy studies revealed the impact of graphene oxide destratification as well as changing of graphene oxide affectivity in the presence of elastomeric media. The physico–mechanical properties of the composites extensively depend on the filler loading, exfoliation of graphene oxide layers, and polymer–filler interaction. Interactions between various oxygen containing groups of chemically derived GO and EMA enhance thermal stability more than pure polymer as shown by thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis.