Phenyl glycidyl ether-based non-covalent functionalization of nano-carbon fillers for improving conductive properties of polymer composites. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Hyeseong; Kim, Mi Na; Jang, Han Gyeol; Jang, Ji-un; Kim, Jaewoo; Kim, Seong Yun
• Is Part Of: Composites communications. Volume 33(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Polymer-matrix composites -- Electrical conductivity -- Thermal conductivity -- Non-covalent functionalization
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coco.2022.101237
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2452-2139

Abstract

Abstract: The excellent conductive properties of nano-carbon fillers are difficult to realize in composites due to the aggregation of nano-carbon fillers by van der Waals forces inside the polymer matrix. To overcome this problem, a process capable of inducing uniform dispersion of the nano-carbon filler is required. In this study, a dispersion strategy was proposed to induce non-covalent functionalization of nano-carbon fillers based on phenyl glycidyl ether (PGE) including a single benzene structure as an inexpensive and effective non-covalent functionalization agent. The electrical and thermal conductivities of the composites filled with PGE-treated graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) were improved up to 296.3 and 4.4%, respectively, compared to those of the composites containing raw GNPs due to uniform dispersion of the nano-carbon fillers. In addition, the enhancements of multi-walled carbon nanotubes-filled composites using the PGE treatment were 125.8 and 11.3%, respectively. From these results, PGE was an effective non-covalent functionalization agent that can induce uniform dispersion of nano-carbon fillers and improve the conductive properties of composites. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: PGE based non-covalent functionalization of nano-carbon surface was proposed. π-π* interaction between PGE and nano-carbon was achieved by the surface treatment. Esterification between PGE epoxy part and carboxyl group of matrix was induced. Enhanced filler dispersion and conductive properties of composites were observed. Single benzene based PGE was a cost-effective non-covalent functionalization agent.