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Mechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite films improved by graphene oxide-assisted nanoclay dispersion

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Abstract

Uniform dispersion of nanoplatelets in a polymer matrix is always a great concern in the production of high quality nanocomposites. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by Hummer’s method in a unique way that improved nanoclay dispersion in casting polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film. Montmorillonite (MMT)-GO/PVA nanocomposites were synthesized by solution-casting method. The addition of a small amount (e.g., 0.25% by wt) of graphene oxide greatly improved nanoclay dispersion and significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of PVA hybrid nanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) imaging proved that montmorillonite layers and graphene oxide (GO) sheets were uniformly dispersed in the polymeric matrix and favorably oriented parallel to the surface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that both nanoplatelets were thoroughly exfoliated and uniformly distributed on the surface of nanocomposite films. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated a slight degree of PVA crystallinity. While there was a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the films, for the PVA film with 2.5% (by wt) montmorillonite and 0.25% (by wt) graphene oxide, the advanced mechanical properties were evidence of the synergy of the two nanoplatelets under favorable conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Polymer Engineering, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

    Nafiseh Hosseini Nasab

  2. Department of Polymer Engineering and Color Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

    Farhad Sharif

  3. New Technologies Research Center (NTRC), Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

    Saeedeh Mazinani

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  1. Nafiseh Hosseini Nasab
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  2. Farhad Sharif
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  3. Saeedeh Mazinani
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Correspondence to Farhad Sharif.

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The authors whose names are listed above in this paper certify that they have NO affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

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Hosseini Nasab, N., Sharif, F. & Mazinani, S. Mechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite films improved by graphene oxide-assisted nanoclay dispersion. Iran Polym J 30, 1053–1061 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13726-021-00964-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13726-021-00964-3

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