Manufacturing homogenous PVC/graphene nanocomposites using a novel dispersion agent.

The goal of the study was to prepare a graphene (GN) dispersion in a poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) solution with enhanced stability of the nanofiller thanks to the application of curcuma extract (CE). The stable dispersion was used to obtain PVC/GN nanocomposites with more homogeneous graphene by the solvent evaporation method. The CE effectiveness was compared with two commercially available dispersants in the form of oleic acid (OA) and polysorbate 80 (P80). The chemical composition of the CE was examined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The dispersion stability was tested by the multiple light scattering method (Turbiscan Lab) and evaluated visually over a period of 40 days. The homogeneity of the filler's dispersion in the PVC matrix was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The application of the dispersing agents led to improved stability of the graphene dispersion in PVC solution. CE was the agent that most effectively improved the homogeneity of graphene dispersion, both in dispersions in a PVC solution and in PVC/GN nanocomposite films. Image 1 • PVC nanocomposites with graphene were prepared by solution casting method with the use of dispersing agents. • The dispersion stability of graphene in PVC solution was tested by turbidimetric method.. • Structure and graphene dispersion level in PVC matrix were investigated by SEM and Raman spectroscopy. • The use of Curcuma longa L. rhizome extract has significantly improved GN dispersion in poly (vinyl chloride) matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]