Pressure-sensitive adhesive composites with a hydrophobic form of graphene oxide for enhanced thermal conductivity

Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) composites containing oleylamine functionalized graphene oxide (OA-f-GO) fillers were prepared. The effects of the surface modification of graphene oxide (GO) on the morphology of the PSA composites and on its thermal and adhesive properties were investigated. In contrast to GO fillers, the OA-f-GO fillers were found to be uniformly dispersed in the PSA matrix without any agglomeration and voids. The hydrophobization of GO resulting from the oleylamine functionalization improved the compatibility of the GO sheets with the PSA matrix. The thermal conductivity of the OA-f-GO (5 wt%)/PSA composites at UV energy of 2,000 mJ/cm2 was 55%, 140%, and 300% greater than the thermal conductivities of the OA-f-GO (5 wt%)/PSA composites, GO (5 wt%)/PSA composites, and bare PSA at UV energy of 800 mJ/cm2, respectively. In addition, the higher peel strength of the OA-f-GO/PSA composites compared to that of the GO/PSA composites was explained by the better wetting of hydrophobic OA-f-GO fillers in the PSA matrix.