Chitosan–graphene oxide nanocomposites: Effect of graphene oxide nanosheets and glycerol plasticizer on thermal and mechanical properties

ABSTRACT In this study, graphite oxide (GO) is synthesized from natural graphite flakes by the modified Hummers method. Characterization by Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron, Raman and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis is conducted on GO to confirm the oxidation of graphite. Unplasticized and glycerol plasticized chitosan/graphene oxide (CS/GO) nanosheets nanocomposites with different GO loadings are prepared by solution casting. The combined effect of GO and glycerol on structure, thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposite films is studied. GO nanosheets are well dispersed throughout the CS matrix due to the hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between CS and GO nanosheets. The incorporation of GO within the CS matrix results in a decrease of the crystallinity, an improvement of thermal stability, and a significant enhancement of the stiffness and tensile strength that is emphasized by the glycerol. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45092.