Utilizing Binary\nPhase Segregation and Extrusion to\nEnhance the Electronic Properties of Graphene Nanocomposites

Our goal in this study is to incorporate graphene nanoplatelets\n(GNPs) in a polymer blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and isotactic\npolypropylene (iPP) to facilitate the dispersion of GNPs and use the\nmorphology of phase segregation to create a pathway for concentrating\nGNPs to achieve percolation with lower GNP concentration. Investigating\nthe interfacial properties between PLA/GNPs and iPP/GNPs, we noticed\nthat iPP has a lower contact angle on GNPs compared to PLA on GNPs.\nThis showed a great potential that the GNP are easily confined in\niPP rather than in PLA domains or at the PLA/PP interfaces. Utilizing\nthis property, as the PLA content increases, the iPP content decreases,\nresulting in a reduction of the available space for GNPs. This decrease\nin space leads to a higher chance for GNPs to accumulate together.\nFurthermore, through careful control of the concentration in the immiscible\nblend of PLA/PP, it is possible to achieve a bicontinuous structure.\nThis structure facilitates the creation of a pathway for the fillers,\nallowing for the use of minimal GNPs while achieving optimal electrical\nconductivity properties. The PLA/PP/GNPs can be oriented by the shear\nforces coming from the nozzle that produce a higher performance.