POS7-0650
Rheological Percolation Threshold of 2D Anisotropic Graphene Oxide/PEG Nanocomposites
Topic
S7. Innovations in Polymeric Composites: From Design and Processing to Industrial Applications
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Jinkee HONG
Ki Su KIM
Presenter(s)
JUSEONG KIM (Seoul National University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
In polymer composites, the dispersion of two-dimensional(2D) fillers and their formation of three-dimensional(3D) networks are key factors that determine the ultimate physical performance of polymer composites, in their mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. In particular, the interfacial affinity between the polymer matrix and the filler strongly governs filler dispersions, aggregation, and network formation, thereby playing a crucial role in determining the composite properties.
In this study, we characterize the dispersion structure within a polymer matrix, which is Polyethylene glycol(PEG), using a graphene oxide(GO), a representative 2D anisotropic filler. To elucidate the effect of interfacial affinity between the polymer matrix and GO on dispersion, a comparative analysis was conducted between PEG-modified GO and bare GO. We focused on the percolation threshold, defined as the critical filler content at which dispersed fillers become interconnected to form a continuous 3D filler network within the polymer matrix.
To identify a percolation threshold, which is an important factor in 3D network formation within a specific GO content range, we investigated the rheological properties and microstructural changes of PEG/GO composites as a function of varying GO content. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering(SAXS) analysis was performed to verify the structural morphology of the dispersion phase. By analyzing the intensity and 2D patterns, we quantified the average inter-filler distance(davg) and orientation state, verifying the dispersion structure of GO particles within the PEG matrix.
These rheological and SAXS results revealed that the GO-Polymer interfacial affinity affects the dispersion state, and network formation of PEG/GO composites. These results provide a quantitative criterion for evaluating the dispersion behavior of 2D filler-based polymer composites and offer a fundamental basis for tailoring polymer composites for diverse applications.
In this study, we characterize the dispersion structure within a polymer matrix, which is Polyethylene glycol(PEG), using a graphene oxide(GO), a representative 2D anisotropic filler. To elucidate the effect of interfacial affinity between the polymer matrix and GO on dispersion, a comparative analysis was conducted between PEG-modified GO and bare GO. We focused on the percolation threshold, defined as the critical filler content at which dispersed fillers become interconnected to form a continuous 3D filler network within the polymer matrix.
To identify a percolation threshold, which is an important factor in 3D network formation within a specific GO content range, we investigated the rheological properties and microstructural changes of PEG/GO composites as a function of varying GO content. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering(SAXS) analysis was performed to verify the structural morphology of the dispersion phase. By analyzing the intensity and 2D patterns, we quantified the average inter-filler distance(davg) and orientation state, verifying the dispersion structure of GO particles within the PEG matrix.
These rheological and SAXS results revealed that the GO-Polymer interfacial affinity affects the dispersion state, and network formation of PEG/GO composites. These results provide a quantitative criterion for evaluating the dispersion behavior of 2D filler-based polymer composites and offer a fundamental basis for tailoring polymer composites for diverse applications.
