Preparation and properties of graphene nanosheets–polystyrene nanocomposites via in situ emulsion polymerization

Abstract Graphene nanosheets–polystyrene nanocomposites were prepared by in situ emulsion polymerization and reduction of graphene oxide using hydrazine hydrate. PS microspheres covalently linked to the edges of graphene nanosheets. The polystyrene-absorbed graphene has been dispersed well in the solvents of toluene and chloroform. The nanocomposites display high electrical conductivity, and a considerable increase in glass-transition temperature and good thermal stability of PS are also achieved. The facile and environmental-friendly technique presented here is an effective and promising method of functionalization of graphene sheets by polymers or other compounds.