Superior conductive polystyrene – chemically converted graphene nanocomposite

Abstract

The polystyrene–chemically converted graphene composite (PS-CCG) prepared by solution blending followed by compression molding, exhibited a percolation threshold as low as 0.19 vol.% and an electrical conductivity as high as 72.18 S m⁻¹ at only ∼2.45 vol.%. The superior electrical conductivity of PS-CCG is the result of the combination of high electrical conductivity of CCG and the good dispersion of the nanofiller in PS matrix. The thermal properties of polystyrene were greatly improved upon addition of a small amount of CCG. The onset decomposition temperature of the PS-CCG increased by approximately 60 °C at 0.19 vol% of CCG loading. The mechanical properties of the PS-CCG were also affected by CCG loading. The storage modulus in the glassy region was enhanced by about 28% at 1.94 vol.% of CCG loading.