EFFECTS OF SURFACE TREATMENT ON PROPERTIES OF GRAPHITE NANOPLATELET/EPOXY NANOCOMPOSITES

摘要

The effects of UV/Ozone treatment on the properties of graphite nanoplatelet (GNP)/epoxy nanocomposites were investigated. Several techniques have been employed to produce useful nanocomposites with uniformly dispersed GNPs, such as high shear mixing, use of dispersant, ultrasonication and UV/Ozone treatment. The UV/Ozone treatment in particular was proven to be a convenient and efficient means to improve the interfacial adhesion between GNPs and epoxy matrix. The UV/Ozone treatment modified the surface chemistry and morphology of GNPs: the insulating organic contaminants and loosely bonded weak materials were removed, and the surface roughness increased while functional groups were created on the graphite surface. All these changes improved significantly the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites.