Interpenetrating polymer network/functionalized-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite: As an advanced functional material

In this report, smart polyurethane-polystyrene interpenetrating polymer network (IPN)-based nanocomposites were fabricated using simultaneous polymerization technique with different doses of functionalized reduced graphene oxide (f-RGO). RGO was functionalized with monoglyceride of sunflower oil in the presence of toluene diisocyanate. Successful functionalization of RGO was supported by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Most interestingly, the fabricated IPN-based nanocomposites showed significant enhancements in mechanical (tensile strength: 165%; elongation at break: 198%; toughness: 340%) and thermal (thermally stable up to 262°C) properties upon incorporation of 1 weight% of f-RGO. Moreover, the fabricated nanocomposites exhibited outstanding chemical resistance, self-cleaning behavior through surface hydrophobicity (static contact angle: 125.6–136.5°), multi-stimuli responsive shape memory effect (100% recovery within 33–44 s by microwave and 265–308 s by sunlight) and thermally actuated artificial muscle-like behavior. Therefore, the studied smart nanocomposites with the aforementioned properties hold significant potential for possible advanced applications.