The preparation and properties of polystyrene/functionalized graphene nanocomposite foams using supercritical carbon dioxide

Abstract

Abstract In this work, polystyrene ( PS )/functionalized graphene nanocomposite foams were prepared using supercritical carbon dioxide. Thermally reduced graphene oxide ( TRG ) and graphene oxide ( GO ) were incorporated into the PS . Subsequently, the nanocomposites were foamed with supercritical CO 2 . The morphology and properties of the nanocomposites and the nucleation efficiency of functionalized graphene in foaming PS are discussed. Compared with GO , TRG exhibited a higher nucleation efficiency and more effective cell expansion inhibition thanks to its larger surface area and better exfoliated structure. It is suggested that the factors that have a significant influence on the nucleation efficiency of TRG and GO originate from the differences in surface properties and chemical structure. Furthermore, PS / TRG nanocomposites and their nanocomposite foams also possess good electrical properties which enable them to be used as lightweight functional materials.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry