Nacre-inspired Polymer Nanocomposites with High-performance and Multifunctional Properties Realized by a Facile Evaporation-induced Self-assembly Approach

A bioinspired polymer-based nanocomposite consisting of hierarchically oriented 2D nanomaterials and polymers exhibits extraordinary properties in various applications. However, it is still a great challenge to break through the limitations of the fabrication process and polymer types for producing a laminated nanocomposite with no restrictions in dimension. Herein, large-area bulk polypropylene carbonate (PPC)/polytetrahydrofuran-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (PTHF-fRGO) nanocomposites with nacre-like layered structures are fabricated through a cost-effective and large-scale evaporation-induced self-assembly process, followed by thermal laminating. To enhance the interfacial compatibility and self-assembly efficiency, the 2D RGO are noncovalently functionalized via controlled termination of living PTHF. The comprehensive properties of the laminated composites, including thermal, mechanical, shape memory, and gas barrier properties, can be significantly improved by introducing highly oriented RGO ...