Polypropylene/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites Prepared by In Situ Ziegler−Natta Polymerization

Abstract

This paper reports the first example of preparation of polypropylene/graphene oxide (PP/GO) nanocomposites via in situ Ziegler−Natta polymerization. A Mg/Ti catalyst species was incorporated into GO via surface functional groups including −OH and −COOH, giving a supported catalyst system primarily structured by nanoscale, predominantly single GO sheet. Subsequent propylene polymerization led to the in situ formation of PP matrix, which was accompanied by the nanoscale exfoliation of GO, as well as its gradual dispersion. Morphological examination of the ultimate PP/GO nanocomposites by TEM and SEM techniques revealed effective dispersion in nanoscale of GO in PP matrix. High electrical conductivity was discovered with thus prepared PP/GO nanocomposites; for example, at a GO loading of 4.9 wt %, σc was measured at 0.3 S·m−1.