Hybridization of graphene-reinforced two polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

This article focuses on the hybridization of thermoplastic polymer matrices with conducting polymers and graphene derivatives. Polypropylene (PP), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polyoxymethylene (POM) were used as primary polymer matrices and polypyrrole (PPY) and polyaniline (PANI) as secondary conducting polymers. Highly conductive-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphene (G) have been used as reinforcements. A Taguchi analysis has been performed for the blends to find the optimal combination of the blends with respect to electrical conductivity (σ) and mechanical properties. Both electrical and mechanical properties were improved by the hybridization process. The maximum electrical conductivity of 0.85 S.cm−1 has been acquired with POM/PPY/G blend with 3 wt.% and 5 wt.% of PPY and graphene loading, respectively. The mechanical properties have been found to improve with all the blends but, PP/PPY/G blend with 3 wt.% and 6 wt.% of PPY and graphene loading displays overall better properties in comparison with other blends.