Graphene-Reinforced the Structure and Mechanical Properties of New PMMA-PVA Hybrid Nanocomposites

Abstract

Abstract Graphene challenges the logic with its behavior and properties because of its multiple uses, so scientists and researchers paid great attention to it. In this study, newly fabricated nanocomposites consist of polymethyl methacrylate and polyvinyl alcohol using Dimethylformamide-co-distilled water and Dimethylformamide solvent with various loading ratios (0.09, 0.18, and 0.27 wt.%) of graphene oxide nanosheets, applying a developed solution casting method. The microstructure, some physical and mechanical properties of the polymethyl methacrylate - polyvinyl alcohol/graphene oxide nanocomposites, such as density, viscosity, ultrasonic velocity, coefficient of ultrasonic absorption, compressibility and bulk modulus, etc. were measured. The method exhibited the successful synthesis of these nanocomposites for the first time with good homogeneity and good desperation as existing clearly in the images of the optical microscopy. Additionally, strong interfacial interaction was formed between the polymers and nano-graphene sheets as exhibited in Fourier-transform infrared spectra with the most functional group of polymer and graphene oxide in the nanocomposites. The scanning electron microscope images also confirmed this finding. These images illustrated the smooth and homogeneous fracture surface with good dispersion of the nanosheets of graphene oxide into the polymer mixture. The low loading ratio of graphene oxide in the matrix from 0.09 to 0.27 wt.% exhibited significant improvement of the viscosity of ultrasonic velocity, bulk modulus, and coefficient of absorption of the mechanical waves up to 79%, 63 %, 225%, and 127%, respectively, with the blended polymers. These findings could help to realize these new nanocomposites as promising materials for wide applications, such as car glass and backlight and ultraviolet filters applications.