Template-Directed Polymerization Strategy for Producing rGO/UHMWPE Composite Aerogels with Tunable Properties.

In this paper, we suggest a previously unknown template-directed polymerization strategy for producing graphene/polymer aerogels with elevated mechanical properties, preservation of the nanoscale pore structure, an extraordinary crystallite structure, as well as tunable electrical and hydrophobic properties. The suggested approach is studied using the reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) system as an example. We also develop a novel method of ethylene polymerization with formation of UHMWPE directly on the surface of rGO sheets prestructured as the aerogel template.

Segregated Network Polymer Composites with High Electrical Conductivity and Well Mechanical Properties based on PVC, P(VDF-TFE), UHMWPE, and rGO.

The formation of a segregated network structure (wittingly uneven distribution of a filler) is one of the most promising strategies for the fabrication of electrically conductive polymer composites at present. However, the simultaneous achievement of high values of electrical conductivity with the retention of well mechanical properties within this approach remains a great challenge. Here, by means of X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dielectric spectroscopy, and compression engineering stress-strain curve analysis, we have studied the effect of a segregated network structure on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of a set of polymer composites.