Issue 95, 2015

Effect of mixing conditions on the selective localization of graphite oxide and the properties of polyethylene/high-impact polystyrene/graphite oxide nanocomposite blends

Abstract

We developed a new and effective strategy for compatibilizing immiscible polymer blend nanocomposites of polyethylene/high-impact polystyrene/graphite oxide (PE/HIPS/GO) by a combination of solution intercalation and a melt-mixing method. GO was first dispersed in HIPS by a solution-mixing method and then added to melted PE. The effect of variations in the mixing conditions, such as the rotor speed and loading level of the filler, on the morphology and mechanical (tensile) and thermal properties of the nanocomposite blends was investigated using XRD, SEM, TEM and TGA. The morphological study showed that varying the mixing conditions resulted in different states of dispersion and different localizations of the filler. As a result, the ductility of the polymer blends filled with GO was notably increased. The compatibilizing effect of GO results from the fact that GO can minimize the interfacial tension between PE and HIPS if it is localized at the interface. Unlike traditional copolymer compatibilizers, GO can also act as a reinforcing filler in polymer blends, thus remarkably enhancing their mechanical strength and thermal stability.

Graphical abstract: Effect of mixing conditions on the selective localization of graphite oxide and the properties of polyethylene/high-impact polystyrene/graphite oxide nanocomposite blends

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
30 May 2015
Accepted
01 Sep 2015
First published
14 Sep 2015

RSC Adv., 2015,5, 77723-77733

Effect of mixing conditions on the selective localization of graphite oxide and the properties of polyethylene/high-impact polystyrene/graphite oxide nanocomposite blends

M. Amani, M. Sharif, A. Kashkooli, N. Rahnama and A. Fazli, RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 77723 DOI: 10.1039/C5RA16975E

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