Polyimide nanocomposites with functionalized graphene sheets

Abstract

Polyimide (PI) nanocomposites containing two different functionalized graphene sheets (FGSs) were synthesized, and their thermal properties, morphology, oxygen permeability, and electrical conductivity were compared. Hexadecylamine–graphene sheets and 4-amino- N-hexadecylbenzamide–graphene sheets were utilized. Hybrid films were obtained from blended solutions of PI and FGSs, with the filler content with respect to the PI varying from 0 wt% to 10 wt%. The differences in the properties of the PI matrix were then analyzed with respect to filler content. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed that the two FGSs were dispersed homogeneously throughout the polymer matrix, although some FGS aggregates were also formed. Furthermore, it was observed that the addition of small amounts of FGS nanofiller was sufficient to improve the coefficient of thermal expansion, the gas barrier properties, and the electrical conductivity of the hybrid films. In contrast, the glass transition temperature and the initial decomposition temperature of the PI hybrid films continued to decrease with increasing FGS content.