High-Performance Nanocomposites of Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose and Graphene Oxide

High-performance nanocomposites of NaCMC with GO are produced by solution casting. FESEM images reveal a good homogeneous dispersion of GO in the NaCMC matrix. The composite formation is facilitated by H-bonding interaction between GO and NaCMC. T-g of the composites increases with increasing GO concentration. The storage modulus (G) exhibits a maximum 174% increase over NaCMC at 1wt% GO. The mechanical properties of the composites exhibit highest increase of tensile stress and Young's modulus of 188 +/- 4% and 154 +/- 11%, respectively, for 1wt% GO. Analysis of Young's modulus (E-y) data using the Halpin-Tsai equation suggests that the E-y data are close to the unidirectional orientation at >0.5wt% GO, indicating more efficient load transfer at these compositions.