Effect of Temperature on Composite Films Made with Activated Carbon, Graphite, or Graphene Oxide (GO) in a Gelatin Matrix

Abstract

Activated carbon, graphite, and GO/gelatin composite films were prepared by the blending method. The properties of composites were characterized by tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), water vapour permeability (WVP), water-absorption ability, contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and moisture at different temperatures. The properties of GO/gelatin composite films were better when each of three kinds of carbon materials were used as reinforcement phases and added into the matrix gelatin. The results showed that EB and TS of GO/gelatin composite films were both excellent. The moisture of GO/gelatin composite films was greater than the others. SEM micrographs showed that GO had better compatibility and dispersibility with gelatin than activated carbon and graphite. The water absorption of GO/gelatin composite films were low, at 15 °C and 25 °C, and the WVP was low at 35 °C. The WVP of GO/gelatin composite films was lower than the others at different temperatures. The contact angle of GO/gelatin composite films was larger than the others.