Preparation of polyolefin/2D-nanosheet nanocomposites via reactor mixing; poly(Ethylene-Co-Propylene)/rGO composites

Ethylene-propylene copolymer (EP)/modified reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites were fabricated via reactor mixing method under mild conditions using Et(Ind)₂ZrCl₂ activated with methylauminoxane (MAO). Micro-structure, mechanical and thermal properties of composites are presented. The rGO nanosheets were homogeneously dispersed in EP matrix and the interfacial adhesion with EP was excellent by the modifying the rGO. Although the thermal stability of the aforementioned composites was relatively unchanged when compared to copolymer, significant enhancements in the mechanical properties were observed (e.g., up to 40% increase in the tensile strength and 50% increase Young's modulus for composites containing 5.0 wt% rGO). Thus, this reactor mixing provides a method for production of high performance polyolefins.