High-performance graphene reinforced epoxy nanocomposites using benzyl glycidyl ether as a dispersant and surface modifier

摘要

The special structure and excellent properties make graphene a great potential in developing advanced polymer nanocomposites; however, its dispersion in molecular-level as well as reinforcement in high efficiency in matrixes has been a challenge. Herein, we report a facile and effective strategy to disperse graphene in epoxy resin by using benzyl glycidyl ether (BGE) as a dispersant and surface modifier through p-p interaction between BGE and graphene. The measurements of UV-vis spectroscopy and Raman spectrum confirm p-p interaction of BGE and graphene, and the remarkably improvement in properties of graphene reinforced epoxy resin are achieved. For 5 mg/mL graphene dispersion, tensile strength increases by 15%, Young's modulus increases by 32.8%, storage modulus at 30 degrees C increases by 37%, and thermal conductivity increases by 95.7%. This method opens up a feasible approach to make high performance graphene nanocomposites for engineering and high-tech applications.