Graphene for flame-retarding elastomeric composite foams having strong interface. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Araby, Sherif; Li, Jihui; Shi, Ge; Ma, Zheng; Ma, Jun
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 101(2017)
• Page Start: 254
• Page End: 264
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Graphene -- Composites -- Polyvinyl alcohol -- Foams; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2017.06.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: It is a great challenge to make elastomeric polymer foams antistatic, flame-retardant and mechanically robust. The challenge was addressed herein by in situ polymerizing polyvinyl alcohol, formaldehyde and graphene sheets. The graphene sheets – each in average being ∼5 nm thick – had a carbon to oxygen atomic ratio of 9.8 and a Raman ID / IG of 0.03. The sheets proved to react with formaldehyde building up a strong interface for the composites, and the reaction promoted the exfoliation and dispersion of graphene sheets in the matrix. They were found to create a large number of fine pores to the composites. Graphene sheets at 0.12 vol% increased the foam water retention rate from 346% to 784%. These composites had a percolation threshold of electrical conductivity at 0.023 vol%. The composites reached a limiting oxygen index of 59.4, implying an exceptional self-extinguishing performance.