New Fabricated (PAA-PVA/GO) and (PAAm-PVA/GO) Nanocomposites: Functional Groups and Graphene Nanosheets effect on the Morphology and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Abstract Graphene reinforcement brings high attraction from researchers as its sole properties improving the mechanical and structural properties of nanomaterials. The research aims to explore the effect of the functional group of the polymers have the same mainstay of the polymer chain but with a different end functional group in addition to the influence of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. Poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) and Poly (acrylamide) (PAAm) were the model polymer. These polymers mixed with Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) separately after dissolved in distilled water (DW) then reinforced with GO applying the developed acoustic-sonication-casting method. The applying method was successfully fabricated the new nanocomposites from these mixed materials for the first time with a ratio of 4.5:4.5:1 wt. % of PAA: PVA: GO and PAAm: PVA: GO as nanocomposites, respectively. The new nanocomposites exhibited homogeneous combinations with an acceptable dispersal of GO in the polymers matrix as presented in the visual microscopy (OM). Coupled with the strong interplay between polymers in the matrix and the polymer with GO nanoparticles as nanocomposites, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) verified the successful preparation of GO. Ultrasound measurements with a multi-frequency channel (30, 40 and 50 kHz) were used to characterize the ultrasonic velocity, absorption coefficient, compressibility and Bulk modulus, etc. Most of the mechanical properties were significantly improved of both new nanocomposites after the contribution of GO in comparison with blended polymers for both nanocomposites up to 74 %, 100 %, 198 and 177% respectively compared to their blended polymers. Interestingly, the PAA-PVA/GO nanocomposites presented a smoother surface and better mechanical results in comparison with PAAm-PVA/GO that showed rough surface and soften behaviour. The results of these new nanocomposites could aid in the development of promising materials for a variety of applications, such as improving oil recovery or developing medical and pharmaceutical applications.