Potential features of a 3D compatible polyethyleneimine‐graphene oxide interface in WPCs via nano‐self‐assembly‐modification

A simple self‐assembly method to construct a polyethyleneimine (PEI)‐graphene oxide coating on wood surface is proposed to fabricate a 3D nano‐interface of recyclable wood‐polypropylene composites. The structure and assembly morphology were analyzed by ZETA potentials, FTIR spectra, scanning electron microscope images, and X‐ray diffraction spectra. Due to the sufficient load transfer and interfacial adhesion of modified graphene, tensile, and flexural properties were improved greatly as well as the reinforcement of anti‐degradation capability (shielding and migration). Additionally, with the enhancement of compatibility, water absorption value for measuring penetration also decreases apparently from 9.88 to 1.13 wt% when soaking for 24 h. Importantly, the low percolation threshold also illustrates that the assembled graphene interface formed a segregated network, which makes it uniquely potential for advancements in electron‐transmission and thermal‐management materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3233–3241, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers