Thesis
Effects of functionalized graphene oxide incorporation on the mechanical and electrical properties of photopolymer composite films
University of Iowa
Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
Summer 2021
DOI: 10.17077/etd.006005
Abstract
Functionalized graphene oxide (fGO) polymer composites are a highly favorable avenue towards creating conductive polymers. Silicone based polymers are inherently conductive but generally require harsher processing conditions than nonconductive polymers and are more expensive.2 Combining conductive nanofillers with nonconductive polymers has been proposed as one alternative with graphene-based materials rising to the forefront as a viable nanofiller for creating conductive composites.3 Graphene Oxide (GO) specifically has garnered interest for its high electrical conductivity and dispersibility in polar solvents. Previous studies have primarily focused on GO’s effect on thermal and mechanical properties when combined with thermopolymers. Little work has been done studying the effects of GO or fGO on the thermal and mechanical properties of photopolymers.In this work, the effects of fGO on the photopolymer poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (PEGDMA) have been determined through analysis of the physical, mechanical, and electrical properties of GO-PEGDMA and fGO-PEGDMA composites. The addition of GO to PEGDMA was shown to decrease reaction rate and final conversion which also resulted in negative impacts on the thermal and mechanical properties. By attaching functional groups to the surface of graphene oxide to form fGO systems the compatibility with the polymer network was increased. This functionalization resulted in a smaller decrease of polymerization rate and final conversion and no significant detrimental impact on the thermal and mechanical properties. The addition of GO and fGO both induced an electrically conductive response in a thin film composite resulting in anti-static properties with GO producing a higher volume conductivity than fGO.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Effects of functionalized graphene oxide incorporation on the mechanical and electrical properties of photopolymer composite films
- Creators
- Rachel Erin Buck
- Contributors
- Syed Mubeen (Advisor)C. Allan Guymon (Advisor)
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
- Date degree season
- Summer 2021
- DOI
- 10.17077/etd.006005
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- viii, 50 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2021 Rachel Erin Buck
- Language
- English
- Description illustrations
- color illustrations
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 48-50).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
As technology advances, we are constantly needing new electrically conductive materials to improve existing systems like solar panels, automobiles, and computer circuits. Conductive polymers have risen to prominence as a way to satisfy those needs and open up new possibilities for this technology. Unfortunately, currently available conductive polymers require harsh processing conditions and are more expensive than non-conductive polymers. An alternative to conductive polymers is combining electrically conductive nanoparticles with nonconductive polymers to create conductive composites. While there are many options for what type of nanoparticle to use in these composites, graphene oxide has garnered a lot of interest for its unique properties. Recently, it has been shown that the combination of graphene oxide (GO) with thermally cured polymers can create conductive composites or even increase the strength of polymer coatings. Attaching small functional groups to GO can also increase their compatibility with other materials and lead to a larger variety of applications for GO. However, little work has been done studying the effects of functionalized graphene oxide (fGO) on UV-cured polymers, photopolymers, and their thermal, mechanical, and conductive properties.
This research has focused on combining fGO and poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (PEGDMA) investigate the thermal, mechanical, and conductive properties of the composite. GO was functionalized with a methacrylate group to increase its compatibility with PEGDMA, which, compared to GO-PEGDMA composites, did not significantly reduce the thermal or mechanical stability of the polymer coating. It was also shown that the addition of GO and fGO increased the electrical conductivity of the polymer. Applications of the results of this work can lead to conductive polymer composites that can be used to increase the lifespan of a solar panel, protect airplanes from lightning strikes, or create flexible computer circuits.
- Academic Unit
- Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9984124572802771
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