Well dispersion of rGOs in PLLA matrix mediated by incorporation of EVA and its resultant electrical property

In this work, a new method was introduced to improve the dispersion of the reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) in polymer host, and the corresponding electrical properties of the composites were discussed. The method was related to incorporation of the third component ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate (EVA) into the poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA)/rGOs composites. Because of a better affinity of the rGOs to the EVA than the PLLA, rGOs were attracted to adsorb on the EVA particles. Consequently, homogeneous dispersion of the EVA particles directed a better dispersion of the rGOs in polymer host. In this case, compared with the PLLA/rGOs binary composite, the ternary composite showed a 10 orders decrease of electrical resistance with a lower electrical percolation threshold than that of the binary composite. This work opens up a viable strategy to the melt blending of polymer/graphene composites with good dispersion and markedly improved properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1051–1059, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers