Graphene-philic surfactants for nanocomposites in latex technology

Mohamed, A; Ardyani, T; Abu Bakar, S; Brown, P; Hollamby, M; Sagisaka, M; Eastoe, J

doi:10.1016/j.cis.2016.01.003

Graphene-philic surfactants for nanocomposites in latex technology

Mohamed, A; Ardyani, T; Abu Bakar, S; Brown, P; Hollamby, M; Sagisaka, M; Eastoe, J

Authors

A Mohamed

T Ardyani

S Abu Bakar

P Brown

Martin Hollamby m.hollamby@keele.ac.uk

M Sagisaka

J Eastoe

Abstract

Graphene is the newest member of the carbon family, and has revolutionized materials science especially in the field of polymer nanocomposites. However, agglomeration and uniform dispersion remains an Achilles' heel (even an elephant in the room), hampering the optimization of this material for practical applications. Chemical functionalization of graphene can overcome these hurdles but is often rather disruptive to the extended pi-conjugation, altering the desired physical and electronic properties. Employing surfactants as stabilizing agents in latex technology circumvents the need for chemical modification allowing for the formation of nanocomposites with retained graphene properties. This article reviews the recent progress in the use of surfactants and polymers to prepare graphene/polymer nanocomposites via latex technology. Of special interest here are surfactant structure-performance relationships, as well as background on the roles surfactant–graphene interactions for promoting stabilization.

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Jan 28, 2016
Online Publication Date	Jan 28, 2016
Publication Date	2016-04
Journal	Advances in Colloid and Interface Science
Print ISSN	0001-8686
Publisher	Elsevier
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	230
Pages	54-69
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2016.01.003
Keywords	graphene; nanocomposites; surfactants; stabilization; latex technology
Publisher URL	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2016.01.003