In-situ polymerization and characteristic properties of the waterborne poly(siloxanes-urethane)s nanocomposites containing graphene

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was chemically reduced into reduced GO (RGO) by using hydrazine and a series of waterborne RGO/poly(siloxane-urethane) (SWPU) nanocomposites with various amounts of RGO were synthesized through in-situ polymerization. Siloxane units were incorporated into the nanocomposites to cause the cross-linking reaction in polyurethane (PU) units. Changes in the structure of the nanocomposites were examined through X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The results revealed two broad peaks at 2 theta = 10 degrees and 20 degrees, indicating the existence of short-range ordering in the hard domains. The relative intensities of the two XRD peaks varied with the RGO content orderly. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis,tensile testing, hardness measurement, and thermal conductivity analysis were conducted to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The results suggest that the thermal decomposition temperature (Td), dynamic glass transition temperature (Tgd), tensile strength, and Young's modulus were at their optimal levels with 0.3 wt% of RGO, and an RGO amount greater than 0.3 wt% weakened the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The surface morphology of the nanocomposites was determined using a scanning electron microscope, atomic-force microscope and contact angle meter. The results suggest that surface roughness and contact angle increased considerably with RGO content. In addition, the electrical and thermal conductivities of the nanocomposites increased with increasing RGO content.