Study on inert solvent for preparation based on GO/EP composite

Abstract

Purpose

The dispersity of graphene oxide (GO) has an important effect on the properties of epoxy resin (EP) composites. Many modification and dispersion methods require the use of inert solvents which do not participate in the modification reaction, although GO can be uniformly dispersed in water and alcohol solvents. Based on this requirement, several inert solvents were selected as dispersion solvents to find out the suitable inert solvent for GO dispersion into EP matrix.

Design/methodology/approach

Several inert solvents with different solubility parameters were selected as dispersion solvents to prepare GO/EP composite. The microstructure, mechanical properties, insulation properties, dielectric properties and thermal property of the composite were characterized, which was due to find suitable inert solvent for GO dispersion into EP matrix.

Findings

The dispersity of N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was the best stable suspension state when it was used as solvent instead of occurring sedimentation and agglomeration. Moreover, DMF was further confirmed as a suitable inert solvent for the dispersion of GO into EP according to the mechanical properties, insulation properties and thermal conductivity characterization.

Research limitations/implications

The dispersion of GO in solvents has already been researched, but the traditional solvents, such as alcohols and water, has shown their limitations with the increase of modification methods, which were not suitable for the modification environment such as cyanate graft modification. Therefore, it was very important to choose a kind of inert solvent for dissolving EP matrix and dispersing GO better.

Originality/value

Several inert solvents were used to disperse GO into EP, and the influence of different dispersing solvents on the adhesive was discussed through the analysis of the mechanical properties, insulation properties and thermal conductivity, which was due to explore the inert solvent suitable for GO dispersion.

Citation

Hu, G., Zhang, X., Liu, L., Ling, W. and Cui, W. (2019), "Study on inert solvent for preparation based on GO/EP composite", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 48 No. 2, pp. 178-184. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-06-2018-0051