pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S06 - Polymer Blends and Composites
Oral Presentation
 
 

The π-π interaction between graphene and styrene block copolymers and it’s applications

Bao Jianjun (1)*, Yin Xiande (1), Yue Jia (1), Zhou Tao (1), Zhang Aimin (1)

(1) Polymer Reserch Institute, Sichuan University - Sichuan - China

Graphene shows many extra ordinary properties, such as electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties. In this work, the interaction between graphene and styrene block copolymers such as SEBS is studied. The UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy of SEBS/graphene dispersion presented an obvious red shift, which suggested the presence of π-π stacking between PS block and graphene. AFM was adopted to investigate morphology of different SEBS/graphene film samples. It was observed that graphene substrate is in favor of adsorbing PS block while more EB block was exposed in the free surface of SEBS film due to the discrepancy of affinity, which was described as interface induced microphase separation. This kind of non-covalent bond interaction can be used to control the phase structure of styrene block polymers or the surface property of graphene and to obtain excellent combination properties. SEBS/graphene composites were prepared via ultrasonic-assisted solution mixing and melt blending (two-step method). These composites have high hardness, tensile strength, stretching strength of 300%, elongation and Young’s modulus. The reinforcing effect of graphene was much higher than other fillers with lamellar structure or/and nano size as revealed in experiment. It's worth noting that graphene can obviously enhance the anti-compression property of SEBS. Only 2% graphene induce a 50% decrease of compression permanent set. Non-covalent functionalization of graphene by π-interactions is an attractive method because it offers the possibility of attaching functional groups to graphene without disturbing the extended π-conjugation on the graphene surface which has little damage on the mechanical and electrical performance. When styrene block copolymers are used as modifier, the PS chains diffuse into the interlayer gap of graphene sheets to form the π-π stacking which prevents the agglomeration of graphene and the EB chains can increase its dispersability in organic solvents. This