Improved Mechanical Properties of Graphene Oxide/Poly(ethylene oxide) Nanocomposites by Dynamic Interfacial Interaction of Coordination

Abstract

A simple and cost-effective strategy to create a strong interfacial interaction of coordination bonds in graphene oxide/poly(ethylene oxide) (GO/PEO) nanocomposites by divalent metal ions are demonstrated in this study. The strong interfacial interaction realizes efficient load transfer during the tensile process to significantly improve the mechanical properties of PEO. In addition, the dynamic interfacial interaction of coordination bonds minimizes the elongation loss. This strategy is applicable to a variety of polymer matrices containing coordination atoms, thus opens up a new opportunity for high-performance GO/polymer nanocomposites with significantly improved mechanical properties.