Graphene scavenges free radicals to synergistically enhance structural properties in a gamma-irradiated polyethylene composite through enhanced interfacial interactions

Kolanthai, Elayaraja and Bose, Suryasarathi and Bhagyashree, KS and Bhat, SV and Asokan, K and Kanjilal, D and Chatterjee, Kaushik (2015) Graphene scavenges free radicals to synergistically enhance structural properties in a gamma-irradiated polyethylene composite through enhanced interfacial interactions. In: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS, 17 (35). pp. 22900-22910.

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Abstract

A unique strategy for scavenging free radicals in situ on exposure to gamma irradiation in polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites is presented. Blends of ultra-high molecular weight PE and linear low-density PE (PEB) and their nanocomposites with graphene (GPEB) were prepared by melt mixing to develop materials for biomedical implants. The effect of gamma irradiation on the microstructure and mechanical properties was systematically investigated. The neat blend and the nanocomposite were subjected to gamma-ray irradiation in order to improve the interfacial adhesion between PE and graphene sheets. Structural and thermal characterization revealed that irradiation induced crosslinking and increased the crystallinity of the polymer blend. The presence of graphene further enhanced the crystallinity via crosslinks between the polymer matrix and the filler on irradiation. Graphene was found to scavenge free radicals as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Irradiation of graphene-containing polymer composites resulted in the largest increase in modulus and hardness compared to either irradiation or addition of graphene to PEB alone. This study provides new insight into the role of graphene in polymer matrices during irradiation and suggests that irradiated graphene-polymer composites could emerge as promising materials for use as articulating surfaces in biomedical implants.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
Publisher:	ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY
Additional Information:	Copy right for this article belongs to the ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY, THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Materials Engineering (formerly Metallurgy) Division of Physical & Mathematical Sciences > Physics
Date Deposited:	30 Sep 2015 07:07
Last Modified:	30 Sep 2015 07:07
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/52491

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