In Situ Polymerization of Graphene, Graphite Oxide, and Functionalized Graphite Oxide into Epoxy Resin and Comparison Study of On-the-Flame Behavior

Abstract

Starting from expandable graphite (EG), graphene, graphite oxide (GO), and organic phosphate functionalized graphite oxides (FGO) were prepared and incorporated into epoxy resin (EP) matrix via in situ polymerization to prepare EP based composites. The structure of the composites was characterized by transmission electron microscopy to show good dispersion without large aggregates. The thermal behavior investigated by thermogravimetric analysis indicated the EP/graphene composites show the highest onset temperature and maximum weight loss temperature compared with those added with GO and FGO. The flame retardant properties investigated by micro combustion calorimeter illustrate that both EP/graphene and EP/FGO composites perform better than EP/GO composites in flame retardant properties with a maximum reduction of 23.7% in peak-heat release rate when containing 5 wt % FGO and a maximum reduction of 43.9% at 5 wt % loading of graphene. This study represents a new approach to prepare functionalized GO with flame retardant elements to improve the flame retardancy of polymer and gives a way of application of graphene in enhancing thermal stabilities of polymer.