Title: The Study of Highly Dispersible Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide/Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Additives and the Effect of Polyvinylpyrrolidone on Dispersion Quality

Authors: Lynsey Baxter, Sedhuraman Mathiravedu, Dilli Dhakal, Nicholas Nowak, Dr. Bhishma Sedai, Kevin Keith, Dr. Ranji Vaidyanathan

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/c.22.0101

Abstract: Graphene-based additives are attractive for use in composites due to potential enhancements in mechanical properties. However, these materials are difficult to disperse without the use of solvents, often leading to agglomerations and poor dispersion quality. This study focuses on the dispersion of easily integratable functionalized reduced graphene oxide additives for use in epoxy composites. The studied additives were synthesized from graphene oxide (GO), polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Dispersions were created using three roll milling, high speed shear mixing, and ultrasonication. The powder additives were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) elemental analysis. Additive/resin samples underwent differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testing to identify any changes in glass transition temperatures (Tg). Dispersion parameters were varied, and dispersion quality and additive particle sizes were analyzed via optical microscopy to identify methods best suited for the study of enhancement of mechanical properties in carbon fiber epoxy composites. These additives were found to be easier to disperse with average particle sizes approximately 91 % smaller than non-modified GO dispersions with the same dispersion methodology. The influence of PVP on dispersion quality and particle size are also considered and evaluated. Additional work currently in-progress for the expansion of the study with mechanical testing is also briefly discussed.

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Conference: CAMX 2022

Publication Date: 2022/10/17

SKU: TP22-0000000101

Pages: 15

Price: $30.00