To study the effect of processing conditions on structural and mechanical characterization of graphite and graphene oxide-reinforced PVA nanocomposite

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of processing conditions for fabrication of PVA nanocomposite by varying exfoliation span and to study its surface and mechanical parameters. Graphite (xGnP) and graphene oxide (GO) are used as nanofiller which are prepared by Modified Hummer’s method respectively. PVA nanocomposite has been prepared by solution casting route by varying xGnP and graphene oxide content and also its exfoliation duration. The major concern is to synthesize a hybrid polymer nanocomposite having good interfacial and homogeneous dispersion of nanofiller. Excellent enhancement in tensile strength from 33 to 57.79 MPa is examined on addition of 1% GO content in comparison with pristine PVA which is attributed to the existence of hydroxyl and carboxylic groups into PVA and GO nanoparticles, respectively. Storage modulus of 1% GO-reinforced PVA is two times higher than the neat PVA. Decrement in crystallinity is examined by DSC analysis. Size of crystal is evaluated by XRD analysis. SEM micrographs showed uniform distribution of nanoparticles throughout the polymeric surface. Polarizing optical micrographs displayed difference in exfoliated nanoparticles and its consistent distribution in the polymer matrix by varying exfoliation duration. Thermal studies also support the outcome which is observed from mechanical analysis.

Graphical abstract demonstrates tensile strength vs. wt% of nanofiller of A-xGnP, GO (1 h), and B-xGnP, GO (1.5 h), PVA nanocomposite thin films.