The effect of nanocomposite synthesis and the drying procedure of graphene oxide dispersion on the polycaprolactone/graphene oxide nanocomposite properties

Abstract

In this work, we compare how the properties of polycaprolactone (PCLO) nanocomposites are affected by the method of nanocomposite synthesis and the differences in graphene oxide (GO) properties. PCLO nanocomposites with freeze-dried or hot-dried graphene oxide (FGO/HGO) were synthesized by in situ polymerization and melt mixing. The PCLO molar masses remained constant during melt mixing, but they were significantly reduced with increasing amount of GOs during in situ polymerization. Despite this fact, the in situ polymerized nanocomposites showed enhancement in Young modulus up to 45%, compared to only 10% modulus increase of melt-mixed nanocomposites. This was attributed to the higher crystallinity and the higher level of nanofiller dispersion and exfoliation in in situ polymerized nanocomposites. When comparing the effect of FGO and HGO on nanocomposites properties, the improved dispersion and ameliorated mechanical properties were observed for the former one.