Abstract
Multi step process for producing the graphene/polystyrene nanocomposite. Thermally expanded graphene was functionalized with PS nanoparticles in
in situ microemulsion and further used in the PS matrix to form conducting films.
This paper reports a large scale production route for polystyrene (PS) nanoparticle-functionalized graphene sheets using water based
in situ microemulsion polymerization. The higher surface area of the graphene basal plane and the better proximity of the reactant species in
in situ microemulsion polymerization were used to functionalize the graphene sheets using PS nanoparticles. The thermal properties of the PS were improved with the incorporation of graphene in the composite. The modified graphene exhibited good compatibility and interactions with the host PS matrix to form conducting PS films.