A Polymer matrix and a dash of graphene and we end up with a revolutionary kind of polymer nano-composite which literally has countless applications. Graphene, for a decade, has caught the eyes of several researchers ever since its discovery because of its amazing and unique properties. Many of the scientists have tried to incorporate graphene in many areas of material science and engineering along with a recent trend that’s emerging called polymer nanocomposites. These nanocomposites based on Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) can provide applications in water purification, photovoltaic cells, Li-ion batteries, supercapacitors and even capturing carbon dioxide, flame retardance composites, antibacterial coating and tissue engineering. The uses of these materials have a great impact on the standard of living and have the potential to bring about a technological revolution.
These applications are only possible due to the type of interaction the graphene filler forms with the polymer matrix, basically, there are two types of interactions, a permanent one or a covalent bond and the non-covalent bonds which are weaker and are formed by π-π or electrostatic interaction. Its based on these interactions that the nanocomposite takes various structures such as intercalated, exfoliated and phase separated. Owing to these various interactions and structures these nanocomposites achieve various interesting properties and further along with more applications.
Let’s explore the possibilities with polymer nanocomposites.
The first stop we have Biomedical applications.
Some of these materials that include biodegradable polymers (polylactic acid, polycaprolactone) and graphene incorporated materials have a high surface area and antibacterial capabilities and very low cytotoxicity towards cells, these perks make it an excellent candidate for use as scaffolds for tissue engineering which will be applicable to heal damaged tissues. PVA/GO made scaffolds have been proven to be promising for bone tissue engineering. Other areas of biomedical uses include biosensors, drug delivery, and cancer therapy.
For one of the fundamental physiological needs, water and more importantly purified water.
Ever since the industrial revolution, several million tons of toxic chemicals and industrial wastes have been dumped regardlessly into all of the blue spaces around the globe. Because of the now concerned authorities, scientists have been improving studies involving graphene-based polymers and hydrogels to produce purification membranes that can effectively adsorb organic compounds and toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and chromium. It is a relief that These membranes are already in use today.
Food productivity has increased vastly due to upgraded farming technologies and with that comes the necessity of packaging them for transport and long-term storage. The incredible properties of graphene nanopolymers come in handy. As mentioned earlier, the graphene fillers provide inhibition of microbial activities. PLA/graphene is being utilized for bio-based food packaging. Other materials include LLDPE/EVA/Graphene and PVA/graphene nanosheets. This is still a growing field of research.
EMI shielding, that's right. Protecting electrical devices from Electromagnetic Interference. This is a necessary application in telecommunications and instrumentation sector. Graphene has high thermal and electrical conductivity which makes them suitable for the job. Components of electrical devices lose their efficiency when they are unprotected from the electromagnetic fields created by other surrounding devices.
There are a lot more of these combinations for the composites which are being researched and we will be experiencing a higher standard of living within a few decades.
Jessie Marsh
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