Synthesis of click-coupled graphene sheets with hyperbranched polyurethane: Effective exfoliation and enhancement of nanocomposite properties

Graphene oxide (GO) was functionalized with hyperbranched polyurethane (HBPU) via click coupling between azide-functionalized HBPU and alkynyl-decorated GO. HBPU-functionalized GO composites of various compositions were prepared. The azide-containing HBPU was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The HBPU-functionalized GO composites were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy. The functionalized GO showed excellent dispersion in the HBPU matrix, giving composites with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. The material properties were effectively regulated by click-coupled exfoliation of GO with HBPU, enabling the production of high-performance materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44631.