New Fabricated UHMWPEO-PVA Hybrid Nanocomposites Reinforced by GO Nanosheets: Structure and DC Electrical Behaviour

Abstract

Polymer-graphene-based nanocomposites are promising to subject for engineering and industrial. This investigation focused on fabricated new nanocomposites from polyethylene oxide (UHMWPEO) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with various loading ratios. In addition, the influence of graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) contribution was significant enhanced the electrical properties. Three different loading ratios of both polymers were applied with the addition of GO to synthesis new six samples using the solution-sonication-casting method as UHMWPEO: PVA: GO (87:12:1, 74.5:24.5:1, and 63:36:1 wt. %). Rang of characterizations was applied such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra that presented showed strong interfacial connections formed between the blended polymers in the matrix and GO nanosheets in the nanocomposites and the optical microscopy (OM) images exhibited fine homogeneity of the polymer matrix and excellent dispersal of the GO in the matrix of polymers. The DC electrical conductivity showed notable improvement of (PEO - PVA) blended polymer form (2.34663 ∗ 10-17) (Ω.cm)-1 up to (3.00327∗10-10) of nanocomposites. The findings are promising that could grow various applications such as sensors, solar cells, IR, electrical and microwave absorption panels.