Polyolefin/Graphene Nanocomposite Materials

Polymer-/graphene-based nanomaterials have attracted significant scientific interest in recent years due to marked enhancement in the polymer properties at low-filler fractions. Graphene has also been reported to provide better property modifications than other nanofillers like layered silicates and nanotubes. The property enhancements are attributed commonly to the high aspect ratio of graphene platelets, filler-polymer interactions at the interface, and uniform dispersion of the platelets in the polymer matrices. Graphene also provides opportunities to tune its surface in order to achieve compatibility with the polymer matrices. Occasionally, chemical binding of the polymer matrix to the graphene surface has also been achieved. Though some challenges exist, which hinder the large-scale defect-free production and reproduction as well as large-scale commercial application, some applications have already found their way in the market. With ever-increasing knowledge and experience in synthesis, handling, surface modification, and processing of graphene, the number of applications is expected to grow steadily. This chapter briefly reviews the various synthesis and surface modification methodologies of graphene and subsequently provides examples of some recent studies on polyolefin/graphene nanocomposites.