Facile layer-by-layer assembly to construct methoxybenzene group functionalized graphene/poly (ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) barrier films under parallel electric field

Publication date: 15 March 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 118
Author(s): Hualin Wang, Baicheng Niu, Minmin Chen, Lilan Hao, Xinmin Cao, Shaotong Jiang
A facile layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly process using solutions under a parallel electric field was used to construct methoxybenzene group functionalized graphene oxide/poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (fGO/EVOH) multilayer barrier films with a nanobrick wall structure. Using aryl diazonium salt as a functionalization agent, fGO was prepared by the reduction of graphene oxide (GO). During the functionalization process, the integrity of the exfoliated nanosheets was well maintained and could be assembled from solution on an EVOH matrix at a voltage of 45kV under a parallel electric field. The resulting films were the best moisture barrier even under a relative humidity of 99% (e.g., 0.028gm⁻²s⁻¹atm⁻¹ for (fGO/EVOH)20) and showed an excellent oxygen barrier (e.g., 0.05cm³m⁻² d⁻¹atm⁻¹ for (fGO/EVOH)20). Furthermore, the Young's modulus and tensile strength of the fGO/EVOH films were improved by >200% and 50% of that of the bare EVOH film, respectively. The fGO/EVOH LbL composite films may have potential as a packaging material for protecting perishable goods that are vulnerable to moisture and oxygen degradation.

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