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Preparation of composite materials by using graphene oxide as a surfactant in ab initio emulsion polymerization systems
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 08:48 authored by Stuart ThickettStuart Thickett, Zetterlund, PBIn this letter, we report a simple and unexpected method of producing polymer–graphene oxide (GO) composite materials via ab initio emulsion polymerization in water. On the basis of the recent reports concerning the surfactant-like behavior of GO for stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions, we prepared exfoliated GO sheets with lateral dimension approximately 200 nm for use as surfactant in the emulsion polymerization of styrene. We observed an expected “classic” surfactant behavior to produce stable nanoparticles at extremely low GO loadings (<0.1% w/w); however, at higher concentrations a highly aggregated, fibrous morphology was formed. This morphology is predominantly due to the electrolyte concentration (ionic strength) of the aqueous phase resulting in heterocoagulation of growing oligomers with dispersed GO sheets, which offers a convenient route toward preparing hybrid materials.
History
Publication title
ACS Macro LettersIssue
7Pagination
630-634ISSN
2161-1653Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
American Chemical SocietyPlace of publication
United States of AmericaRights statement
Copyright 2013 American Chemical SocietyRepository Status
- Restricted