Investigation of thermomechanical properties and matrix-filler interaction on polyimide/graphene oxide composites.

We report, the preparation of nanocomposites having polyimide (PI) as matrix and graphene oxide (GO) as filler, analyses of matrix-filler interactions, and enhancements in thermomechanical properties of PI/GO as compared with pristine PI. The matrix-filler interactions were analyzed by ¹H NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. The data suggested stronger matrix-filler interactions in PI/GO as compared with PI/G composites. The stronger matrix-filler interactions and homogeneous dispersion of fillers lead to a significant enhancement in mechanical properties in PI/GO nanocomposites. Thus, with just 1 wt% GO content, the modulus of PI/GO composite increased by ∼106% as compared with pristine PI. Finally, thermal expansion coefficients of the nanocomposites are also investigated. A plausible hypothesis has been proposed in the text to explain the observed matrix-filler interactions and the subsequent property enhancements in nanocomposites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]