University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Nano-sized graphene oxide as sole surfactant in miniemulsion polymerization for nanocomposite synthesis: effect of pH and ionic strength

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 08:44 authored by Che Man, SH, Ly, D, Whittaker, MR, Stuart ThickettStuart Thickett, Zetterlund, PB
Miniemulsion polymerization of styrene using AIBN as initiator at 70 °C has been performed with nano-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) sheets as surfactant (no conventional surfactants employed) with a view to exploring the effects of pH and ionic strength (NaCl concentration). The pH value of the emulsion exerted a relatively minor influence on the polymerization, with a somewhat narrower particle size distribution being obtained at pH = 3.2 relative to pH = 2.4 and 5.2. The ionic strength had a more significant effect – the presence of a suitable concentration of NaCl resulted in increased colloidal stability and narrower particle size distribution. The results are explained in terms of the effects of pH on degree of ionization of COOH groups of GO and the influence of ionic strength on the electric double layer, and have implications with regards to synthesis of polymer/graphene nanocomposite materials for a variety of applications.

History

Publication title

Polymer

Volume

55

Issue

16

Pagination

3490-3497

ISSN

0032-3861

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Elsevier Sci Ltd

Place of publication

The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Oxon, Ox5 1Gb

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the chemical sciences

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC