Morphology, Thermal Stability, Electrical, and Mechanical Properties of Graphene Incorporated Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Gelatin Nanocomposites

Significant research is done towards utilizing graphene’s unique characteristics and it is highly possible that the super conductivity and transparency of graphene might help create the next generation devices more efficient, durable and cost effective. This research is intended to create usable graphene polymer based nanocomposites for potential applications especially in electronics by effectively dispersing and stabilizing the graphene platelets in a polymer matrix. Uniform and highly stable dispersion of graphene platelets in aqueous solution has been prepared. The optical image and incubation for specific time frame assured homogeneous dispersion of graphene in solution and in the polymer matrix as well. Graphene-Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-Gelatin composite films were prepared by solution casting method. The effect of solvents and surfactants on dispersion of graphene and the effect of graphene on the physico-mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated. The chemical change of graphene in PVA-Gelatin matrix was studied using FTIR-ATR analysis. Structural and morphological properties were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Thermal characterization of the nanocomposites was evaluated by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite containing 1.0% (w/w) pristine graphene were found to be the highest (Hard and Tough). The current versus voltage (I-V) curves of the composite containing pristine graphene at various percentages was obtained and it was found that they nearly follow Ohm's law. The conductivity of the nanocomposite containing 2.0% (w/w) pristine graphene was found to be the highest (14.28 x 10 -4 S/m).