Preparation of new PVC composite using green reduced graphene oxide and its effects in thermal and mechanical properties

In the present study, it was focused on developing mechanically stronger and thermally more stable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites by using green reduced graphene oxide (GRGO) filler to strengthen the negative features of PVC. For this purpose, GRGO reduced by vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with antibacterial properties was selected as filler. The PVC/GRGO composites were produced via colloidal blending method at different amounts of GRGO in PVC matrix (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1% by weight), while pure PVC was also produced for comparison. The XRD and FTIR results showed that GRGO incorporated in the polymer matrix; this finding was also evident in SEM analysis. TGA and DSC analyses showed that the composite with 1% loading content of GRGO provided an important improvement on the thermal stability. The tensile strength and hardness of the composite having 0.1% GRGO increased by 42% and 98%, respectively. SEM image of PVC/GRGO-0.1 composite showed the galleries of GRGO filled with PVC. As a consequence, thermal and mechanical properties of PVC can be altered by changing loading content of GRGO. Moreover, the GRGO may be a good candidate for substitution of harmful fillers for PVC-based products.