Development of ethylene-vinyl acetate composites reinforced with graphene platelets

Abstract

Composites of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) reinforced with graphene platelets are fabricated. Morphological, thermal, mechanical, electrical properties as well as moisture absorption of the composites are characterized. Transmission electron microscopy shows a good dispersion of graphene platelets in the matrix. The unidirectional orientation of graphene platelets parallel to the surface of the composites is revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and is validated using the Halpin–Tsai model. Tensile strength and elongation of the composites are respectively improved by 109 and 83%, after the addition of 3 wt% graphene platelets. The incorporation of 5 wt% graphene platelets enhances the char residue of the composites from 0.544% for pure EVA to 6.63% for the composites. The electrical conductivity of the composite with 3 wt% graphene platelets is two orders of magnitude higher than that of pure EVA with 10−13 S cm–1 electrical conductivity. (Figure presented.).