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A novel method for producing graphene/hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) composite with a fine dispersion of graphene is established. The thermoresponsive HPC, with low a critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior, becomes self-associated into nanospheres when its homogeneous solution is heated to a temperature higher than the LCST. The formed nanospheres of HPC can then 'clamp' graphene layers and get them finely dispersed in solution and in the polymer matrix. Incorporating graphene via this method can largely prevent graphene from agglomeration. Compared with the conventional casting method, the proposed LCST method can further enhance the electrical conductivity of HPC/graphene composites by 2-3 orders of magnitude. The percolation threshold value of RGO loading is as low as 0.11 vol%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Individually dispersed graphene colloid is prepared using cationic dye rhodamine B (RhB) as a non-covalent modifier. Characterizations by UV–vis, photoluminescence and Raman, the graphene-RhB interactions are shown to be cation-π and π-π. Subsequently, the obtained graphene is incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to fabricate PVA/graphene composites by simple solution casting. On addition of 1.0 wt% graphene, the tensile strength and tensile modulus are increased by 178% and 139%, respectively. Interestingly, the strain of the composites is greatly maintained, which is related to the uniqueness interfacial structure and morphology of the composites. This work provides a promising methodology to fabricate high performance graphene-based composites with superior strength and ductility by simultaneously combining the reinforcement of graphene sheets and the uniqueness interfacial structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An environmentally friendly method for preparing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was established based on the typical hydrolysable tannin, tannic acid (TA). TA is fully competent in reducing GO and stabilizing rGO simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]