Enhanced graphene exfoliation and dispersion in injection molded polypropylene nanocomposites processed with supercritical fluid

Thomas Ellingham, Jun Peng, Hrishikesh Kharbas, Jason McNulty, Lih Sheng Turng

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effects of melt processing nanocomposites of graphene and polypropylene (PP) with supercritical fluid (SCF) were investigated. Blends of 0.5% graphene (by wt.) were mixed via traditional twin-screw extrusion and with supercritical-fluid gas-laden pellets injection molding-foaming technology (SIFT). Tensile bars were formed using traditional injection molding (IM) and microcellular injection molding (MIM). Samples with graphene had lower melt viscosity and higher thermal stability than their neat PP counter-parts. MIM and SIFT samples with graphene had increased tensile strength. Property enhancements were greater where SCF was used (MIM and SIFT). The ability of SCF to increase exfoliation and dispersion of graphene was determined by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Better exfoliation and dispersion of the nanofillers resulted in the observed property enhancements.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationANTEC 2015 - Proceedings of the Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers
PublisherSociety of Plastics Engineers
Pages1659-1664
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780985011277
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event73rd Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Orlando 2015 - Orlando, United States
Duration: 23 03 201525 03 2015

Publication series

NameAnnual Technical Conference - ANTEC, Conference Proceedings

Conference

Conference73rd Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Orlando 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period23/03/1525/03/15

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