Synthesis and Characterization of Graphite Nanocomposites

Abstract

The thesis entitled Synthesis and Characterisation of Graphite Nanocomposites deals with the preparation of polymer nanographite nanocomposites (NCs) using nanographite platlets (NGPs) as the nanofiller. The foremost challenge in preparation of polymer NCs is the effective dispersion of the nanoparticles within the polymer matrix to realize the full potential of NCs. Attempts have been made to synthesize NCs using various techniques such as solution blending method, in-situ polymerisation, swift heavy ion irradiation method to achieve the homogenous dispersion of NGPs within the polymer matrix. The prepared polymer nanographite NCs have been evaluated for sensor applications.A series of PEDOT:PSS/nanographite nanocomposites are prepared by solution blending method. Electrical properties of the prepared nanocomposites were studied. Application of the prepared nanocomposites as sensor materials in detecting vapours of nitroaromatics at room temperature and under normal laboratory environments have been evaluated. The thesis also covers the swift heavy ion irradiation technique for modifying structural, electrical and sensing properties of the prepared PEDOT:PSS/nanographite nanocomposites. The conducting polymer nanographite nanocomposites using insulating polymer have also been prepared. A series of PMMA/ nanographite nanocomposites were prepared through in-situ polymerisation in presence of variable concentration of NGPs with respect to the polymer. Prepared PMMA/nanographite nanocomposites films were characterised by FTIR, XRD and SEM. Electrical studies for the prepared nanocomposites having different NGPs concentration were carried out and percolation threshold, at which the conductivity of the nanocomposites showed the transition from an insulator to a semiconductor was calculated.. The modification of nanocomposite of insulating polymer, PMMA/ nanographite nanocomposites through Swift heavy ion irradiation has also been attempted and sensor properties have been evaluated.