High performance polyurethane/functionalized graphene nanocomposites with improved mechanical and thermal properties

摘要

This communication reported the substantial improvement in the mechanical and thermal properties of a polyurethane (PU) resulting from the incorporation of well-dispersed graphene oxide (GO). The stress transfer benefited from the covalent interface formed between the PU and GO. The Young's modulus of the PU was improved by ~7 times with the incorporation of 4 wt% GO, and the improvement of ~50% in toughness was achieved at 1 wt% loading of GO without losing elasticity. Significant improvements were also demonstrated in the hardness and scratch resistance measured by nano-indentation. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the decomposition temperature was increased by ~50 ℃ with the addition of 4 wt% GO.