Enhanced thermal stability in graphene oxide covalently functionalized with 2-amino-4,6-didodecylamino-1,3,5-triazine

In this study 2-amino-4,6-didodecylamino-1,3,5-triazine (ADDT) was synthesized from cyanuric chloride and covalently functionalized onto graphene oxide nanosheets. The chemical structure of the alkylated melamine and the functionalized graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were characterized with ¹H NMR, FT-IR, XPS, TGA and TEM. The results indicate that two chlorine atoms on the triazine ring of cyanuric chloride were substituted by two long alkyl chains. Covalent functionalization of ADDT onto the graphene oxide nanosheets was confirmed with both FT-IR and XPS results. The reduced mass loss rate along with enhanced residue formation (TGA results) indicates significant improvement in thermal stability for GO-ADDT compared to GO. Moreover good solubility of GO-ADDT in organic solvents suggests the potential of GO-ADDT as a nanoadditive for polymeric systems.     

Incorporation of silica network and modified graphene oxide into epoxy resin for improving thermal and anticorrosion properties

In this study, the silica network and functionalized graphene oxide (GO) were incorporated into the epoxy coating systems, which was aimed to improve the thermal property and corrosion resistance of epoxy coatings. First, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) oligomers and epoxy hybrid was fabricated through sol–gel method. Then the (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) modified graphene oxide (FGO) was added into the epoxy hybrid composite to obtain anticorrosion coatings. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectrum, and X-ray photoelectron spectrum were conducted to evaluate the structural information of GO and APTES modified GO nanosheets. The results indicated that the APTES successfully grafted onto the surface of GO sheets. Besides, TGA curves, electrochemical measurements and salt spray test were also carried out to characterize the thermal performance and corrosion resistance of GO based epoxy coatings. The TGA results revealed that the thermal performance of epoxy coating containing silica network and FGO nanofiller (ES/FGO) was significantly strengthened compared to pure epoxy. The initial degradation temperature of epoxy coating was increased from 300 to 343.7°C after incorporation of silica component and FGO. The EIS measurements demonstrated that the impedance modulus of ES/FGO was significantly higher than neat epoxy, which indicated that the corrosion resistance of epoxy was substantially strengthened after introduction of silica component and FGO. The corrosion rate and inhibition efficiency of epoxy composite coatings were also shifted from 1.237 × 10⁻⁷ mm/year and 76.6% (for neat epoxy) to 1.870 × 10⁻⁹ mm/year and 99.6% (for ES/FGO), respectively. The salt spray test also revealed that the silica and FGO can improve the corrosion resistance of epoxy coating. Additionally, the dispersion of GO sheets was also enhanced after the modification of APTES siloxane.     

Grafting of sulfonated monomer onto an amino‐silane functionalized 2‐aminoterephthalate metal − organic framework via surface‐initiated redox polymerization: proton‐conducting solid electrolytes

A post‐polymerization method for metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been developed to produce super‐acidic solid nanoparticles. Thus, the NH₂MIL‐53(Al) MOF was functionalized with (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) from amine groups to yield active site anchored MOF nanoparticles. Then, sulfonated polymer/MOF hybrid nanoparticles were prepared by redox polymerization of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid (MOF‐g‐PAMPS), initiated onto the surfaces of aminopropyl‐functionalized NH₂MIL‐53(Al) nanoparticles. The synthesis and modification of NH₂MIL‐53(Al) nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and TGA. FTIR and TGA results indicated that APTES modifier agent and AMPS monomer were successfully grafted onto the MOF nanoparticles. The grafting efficiency of PAMPS polymer onto the MOF nanoparticles was estimated from TGA thermograms to be 33%. Also, sulfonated polymer/MOF hybrid nanoparticles showed a proton conductivity as high as 4.9 × 10^?5 S cm^?1. Nitrogen adsorption of modified NH₂MIL‐53(Al) showed also a decrease in pore volume. The morphology and crystalline structure of MOF nanoparticles before and after the modification processes were studied by SEM and XRD, respectively. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis of magnetic citric‐acid‐functionalized graphene oxide and its application in the removal of methylene blue from contaminated water

A magnetic nanocomposite of citric‐acid‐functionalized graphene oxide was prepared by an easy method. First, citric acid (CA) was covalently attached to acyl‐chloride‐functionalized graphene oxide (GO). Then, Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were chemically deposited onto the resulting adsorbent. CA, as a good stabilizer for MNPs, was covalently attached to the GO; thus MNPs were adsorbed much more strongly to this framework and subsequent leaching decreased and less agglomeration occurred. The attachment of CA onto GO and the formation of the hybrid were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. The specific saturation magnetization of the magnetic CA‐grafted GO (GO‐CA‐Fe₃O₄) was 57.8 emu g^?1 and the average size of the nanoparticles was found to be 25 nm by transmission electron microscopy. The magnetic nanocomposite was employed as an adsorbent of methylene blue from contaminated water. The adsorption tests demonstrated that it took only 30 min to attain equilibrium. The adsorption capacity in the concentration range studied was 112 mg g^?1. The GO‐CA‐Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite was easily manipulated in an external magnetic field which eases the separation and leads to the removal of dyes. Thus the prepared nanocomposite has great potential in removing organic dyes. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and exfoliation of isocyanate-treated graphene oxide nanoplatelets

A number of functionalized graphite oxides were prepared by treatment of graphite oxide (GO) with organic isocyanates. These isocyanate-treated GOs (iGOs) can then be exfoliated into functionalized graphene oxide nanoplatelets that can form a stable dispersion in polar aprotic solvents. Characterization of iGOs by FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis suggested that the isocyanate treatment results in the functionalization of the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in GO via formation of amides and carbamate esters, respectively. The degree of GO functionalization can be controlled via either the reactivity of the isocyanate or the reaction time. When used with functionalized isocyanates, the described methodology allows for the elaboration of graphene oxide nanoplatelets with different surface functional groups.     

Morphology,thermal, mechanical,and barrier properties of graphene oxide/poly(lactic acid) nanocomposite films

To improve the physical and gas barrier properties of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) film, two graphene nanosheets of highly functionalized graphene oxide (0.3 wt% to 0.7 wt%) and low-functionalized graphene oxide (0.5 wt%) were incorporated into PLA resin via solution blending method. Subsequently, we investigated the effects of material parameters such as loading level and degree of functionalization for the graphene nanosheets on the morphology and properties of the resultant nanocomposites. The highly functionalized graphene oxide (GO) caused more exfoliation and homogeneous dispersion in PLA matrix as well as more sustainable suspensions in THF, compared to low-functionalized graphene oxide (LFGO). When loaded with GO from 0.3 wt% to 0.7 wt%, the glass transition temperature, degree of crystallinity, tensile strength and modulus increased steadily. The GO gave rise to more pronounced effect in the thermal and mechanical reinforcement, relative to LFGO. In addition, the preparation of fairly transparent PLA-based nanocomposite film with noticeably improved barrier performance achieved only when incorporated with GO up to 0.7wt%. As a result, GO may be more compatible with hydrophilic PLA resin, compared to LFGO, resulting in more prominent enhancement of nanocomposites properties.     

Facile preparation of water‐dispersible graphene nanosheets by covalent functionalization with poly(3‐aminobenzene sulfonic acid)

The synthesis of water‐dispersilbe graphene nanosheets plays an important role in various practical applications. Herein, we have demonstrated an efficient method for the preparation of water‐dispersible graphene hybrid material from graphene oxide (GO) and a hydrophilic‐conducting polymer, namely, poly(3‐aminobenzene sulfonic acid) (PABS). First, the covalent functionalization process of GO with PABS was carried out via a simple amidation reaction between acyl chloride group located on GO surface and the amino group present in the polymer. Second, the GO‐polymer hybrid was chemically reduced into graphene‐polymer hybrid using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. The resulting hybrid material was characterized using various analytical techniques. Electron microscopic studies were used to characterize the morphology and chemical structure of the resulting hybrids. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the initial changes in surface functionalities, while the thermal stability of hybrid material on heating was studied via thermogravimetric analysis. The digital images provided a vivid observation on the high‐dispersion stability of the hybrid material in distilled water. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 52:1854–1861, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Graphene oxide modification with graft polymers via nitroxide mediated radical polymerization

We demonstrate a method to modify the surface of graphene oxide (GO) by grafting polymer chains using nitroxide mediated radical polymerization (NMRP). Surface modification by NMRP was achieved using GO functionalized with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO, T) to produce graphene oxide-TEMPO (GO-T). GO prepared from graphite by the Hummer's method was facilely functionalized in one step with T. Graft polymerization reactions of styrene and isoprene were carried out using nitroxide chemistry to control the polymerization and the ‘grafting from the surface’ polymerization technique. GO-T acts as a multifunctional macroalkoxyamine initiating and controlling the polymerization in the presence of monomer. The grafting reactions were performed by dispersing GO-T in dimethylformamide and heating at 130 °C in the presence of monomer to form graphene oxide-g-polystyrene-TEMPO (GO-g-PS-T) and graphene oxide-g-polyisoprene-TEMPO (GO-g-PI-T). FT-IR, Raman, XPS, XRD, TGA and TEM data are consistent with the attachment of the TEMPO group to the GO surface and with polystyrene and polyisoprene being grafted onto the GO surface. The amount of PS and PI grafted to GO-T was estimated from TGA data to be approximately 34% for a 7 h reaction time and 68% for a 144 h reaction time, respectively.     

Chemically Functionalized Graphene Nanosheets and Their Influence on Thermal Stability,Mechanical, Morphological,and Electrical Properties of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Poly(ethylene Oxide) Blend

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(ethylene oxide) (90/10) blend containing various contents of functionalized graphene was prepared through solution technique and characterized to investigate the effects of functionalized graphene content on mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites. Infrared results revealed the interaction between matrix and functionalized graphene. Electron microscopy images of the nanocomposites exhibited a good dispersion of functionalized graphene nanosheets in the blend. The incorporation of functionalized graphene significantly increased the thermal stability and mechanical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(ethylene oxide) blend. At electrical percolation threshold achieved at functionalized graphene loading of 4.27?wt%, the conductivity of the nanocomposites was increased by more than eight orders of magnitude.     

Preparation and characterization of PVA-g-GO/PVA/PAN composite membrane for pervaporation desalination

Graphene oxide (GO) has extensive applications in membrane-based separations, but its dispersion in the membrane has always been a problem due to the presence of π–π interactions in GO nanosheets. In this study, a grafting reaction was designed by using poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) for GO grafting modification and poly (vinyl alcohol)-g-graphene oxide (PVA-g-GO) nanocomposites were synthesized. The grafting material to GO was the same as the basic separation polymer material. PVA-g-GO showed better dispersibility and hydrophilicity than GO, and a series of composite membranes were prepared using a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane as a substrate. PVA-g-GO nanocomposites and membranes were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc. The addition of PVA-g-GO improved both the separation performance and anti-swelling property of the composite membrane, and the PVA-g-GO/PVA/PAN composite membrane loaded with 2 wt.% PVA-g-GO obtained a high flux of 4.46 kg/m² · h and a high rejection of 99.99% when dehydrating 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at 30°C by pervaporation.     

Janus graphene oxide nanosheets prepared via Pickering emulsion template

Janus graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets functionalized by amino-containing chemicals were prepared via Pickering emulsion template. A wax-in-water Pickering emulsion was used to mask one side of GO nanosheets in order to achieve asymmetric chemical functionalization. Janus particles were obtained by removing the oil phase. The successful reaction of epoxy groups on the surface of GO with amino-containing chemicals was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The asymmetric surface structure of Janus GO nanosheets was detected by atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The efficient stabilization of an oil-in-water Pickering emulsion by Janus GO was proved. Polymer microspheres fabricated by using Janus GO as Pickering stabilizer had a more hydrophilic surface compared with those stabilized by symmetrically modified GO.     

Antibacterial films with enhanced physical properties based on poly (vinyl alcohol) and halogen aminated-graphene oxide

Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets as great nanofiller have been utilized for the enhancement of a polymer matrix. In this work, polymeric N-halamine poly[5,5-dimethyl-3-(3′-triethoxysilylpropyl)hydantoin] (PSPH) was covalently grafted onto GO, which was denoted as GO-PSPH. The chlorinated GO-PSPH (GP-Cl) was then mixed with poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution to obtain the PVA/GP-Cl hybrid films. The as-prepared hybrid films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. Compared with PVA film, the addition of GP-Cl into PVA matrix endowed the film with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties, and the crystallinity, tensile strength, and Young's modulus increased by 45, 21, and 246%, respectively. It can be deduced that the interfacial interaction between PVA matrix and GP-Cl nanosheets was the crucial factor for the physical enhancement. Furthermore, the synergistic effect between GO and polymeric N-halamine greatly improved the antibacterial activities of the hybrid films with 3.95 logs reduction of Staphylococcus aureus and 4.53 logs reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 with 30 min of contact time, respectively. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 48176.     

In situ polymerization of polyimide‐based nanocomposites via covalent incorporation of functionalized graphene nanosheets for enhancing mechanical,thermal, and electrical properties

In this study, we report an effective method to fabricate high‐performance polyimide (PI)‐based nanocomposites using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane functionalized graphene oxide (APTSi‐GO) as the reinforcing filler. APTSi‐GO nanosheets exhibit good dispersibility and compatibility with the polymer matrix because of the strong interfacial covalent interactions. PI‐based nanocomposites with different loadings of functionalized graphene nanosheets (FGNS) were prepared by in situ polymerization and thermal imidization. The mechanical performance, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity of the FGNS/PI nanocomposites are significantly improved compared with those of pure PI by adding only a small amount of FGNS. For example, a 79% improvement in the tensile strength and a 132% increase in the tensile modulus are achieved by adding 1.5 wt % FGNS. The electrical and thermal conductivities of 1.5 wt % FGNS/PI are 2.6 × 10^?3 S/m and 0.321 W/m·K, respectively, which are ～10¹⁰ and two times higher than those of pure PI. Furthermore, the incorporation of graphene significantly improves the glass‐transition temperature and thermal stability. The success of this approach provides a good rationale for developing multifunctional and high‐performance PI‐based composite materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42724.     

Synthesis and properties of click coupled graphene oxide sheets with three‐dimensional macromolecules

A facile click chemistry approach to the functionalization of three‐dimensional hyperbranched polyurethane (HPU) to graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets is presented. HPU‐functionalized GO samples of various compositions were synthesized by reacting alkyne‐functionalized HPU with azide‐functionalized GO sheets. The morphological characterization of the HPU‐functionalized GO was performed using transmission electron microscopy and its chemical characterization was carried out using Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The graphene sheet surfaces were highly functionalized, leading to improved solubility in organic solvents, and consequently, enhanced mechanical, thermal, and thermoresponsive and photothermal shape memory properties. The strategy reported herein provides a very efficient method for regulating composite properties and producing high performance materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43358.     

Thermoresponsive graphene nanosheets by functionalization with polymer brushes

We report the preparation of thermoresponsive graphene nanosheets functionalized by the polymer brushes. This approach involves the direct growth of thermoresponsive polymer brushes from functional graphene sheets (FGSs) by chemical modification with initiators followed by extension with poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) through surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The highly controllable polymerization method affords the hybrid FGS-PDMAEMA with tailorable length of PDMAEMA brushes possessing the average molecular weight (M_n) ranging from 7.4 × 10³ to 6.0 × 10⁴ with low molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n = 1.09–1.22). The resulting FGS-PDMAEMA was carefully characterized with a number of techniques, including elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, all supporting the successful integration of polymer brushes onto the surface of FGS. Most importantly, we accomplished the reversible phase transfer of this hybrid FGS-PDMAEMA between aqueous and organic phases via temperature control by taking advantage of the thermoresponsive nature of PDMAEMA brushes. Moreover, the composite film prepared by depositing the suspensions of FGS-PDMAEMA demonstrated the facile control over the wettability upon temperature changes. This tailored control over dispersion in water, selective solubilization between aqueous and organic solvents, and wettability control upon temperature variation have a significant impact on the ability to improve properties of hybrid graphene-based materials. Because of the highly versatile and tunable properties of surface-initiated atom transfer polymerization, we anticipate that the general concept presented here offers a unique potential platform for integrating responsive polymers for graphene nanosheets for advanced electronic, energy, and sensor applications.     

Preparation of polyimide/siloxane‐functionalized graphene oxide composite films with high mechanical properties and thermal stability via in situ polymerization

An effective approach to prepare polyimide/siloxane‐functionalized graphene oxide composite films is reported. The siloxane‐functionalized graphene oxide was obtained by treating graphene oxide (GO) with 1,3‐bis(3‐aminopropyl)‐1,1,3,3‐tetra‐methyldisiloxane (DSX) to obtain DSX‐GO nanosheets, which provided a starting platform for in situ fabrication of the composites by grafting polyimide (PI) chains at the reactive sites of functional DSX‐GO nanosheets. DSX‐GO bonded with the PI matrix through amide linkage to form PI‐DSX‐GO films, in which DSX‐GO exhibited excellent dispersibility and compatibility. It is demonstrated that the obvious reinforcing effect of GO to PI in mechanical properties and thermal stability for PI‐DSX‐GO is obtained. The tensile strength of a composite film containing 1.0 wt% DSX‐GO was 2.8 times greater than that of neat PI films, and Young's modulus was 6.3 times than that of neat PI films. Furthermore, the decomposition temperature of the composite for 5% weight loss was approximately 30 °C higher than that of neat PI films. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of octa(aminopropyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OapPOSS) functionalized graphene oxide on the mechanical,thermal, and hydrophobic properties of waterborne polyurethane composites

A novel graphene nanomaterial functionalized by octa(aminopropyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OapPOSS) was synthesized and then confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM EDX), atomic force microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The obtained functionalized graphene (OapPOSS‐GO) was used to reinforce waterborne polyurethane (WPU) to obtain OapPOSS‐GO/WPU nanocomposites by in situ polymerization. The thermal, mechanical, and hydrophobic properties of nanocomposites as well as the dispersion behavior of OapPOSS‐GO in the polymer were investigated by TGA, a tensile testing machine, water contact angle tests, and field emission SEM, respectively. Compared with GO/WPU and OapPOSS/WPU composites, the strong interfacial interaction between OapPOSS‐GO and the WPU matrix facilitates a much better dispersion and load transfer from the WPU matrix to the OapPOSS‐GO. It was found that the tensile strength of the OapPOSS‐GO/WPU composite film with 0.20 wt % OapPOSS‐GO exhibited a 2.5‐fold increase in tensile strength, compared with neat WPU. Better thermal stability and hydrophobicity of nanocomposites were also achieved by the addition of OapPOSS‐GO. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44440.     

Epoxy/p‐phenylenediamine functionalized graphene oxide composites and evaluation of their fracture toughness and tensile properties

In an attempt to enhance the mechanical properties of epoxy/graphene‐based composites, the interface was engineered through the functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) sheets with p‐phenylenediamine; this resulted in p‐phenylenediamine functionalized graphene oxide (GO–pPDA). The morphology and chemical structure of the GO–pPDA sheets were studied by spectroscopic methods, thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The characterization results show the successful covalent functionalization of GO sheets through the formation of amide bonds. In addition, p‐phenylenediamine were polymerized on graphene sheets to form crystalline nanospheres; this resulted in a GO/poly(p‐phenylenediamine) hybrid. The mechanical properties of the epoxy/GO–pPDA composite were assessed. Although the Young's modulus showed improvement, more significant improvements were observed in the strength, fracture strain, and plane‐strain fracture toughness. These improvements were attributed to the unique microstructure and strong interface between GO–pPDA and the epoxy matrix. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43821.     

Chemical Functionalization of Graphene Oxide by Poly(styrene sulfonate) Using Atom Transfer Radical and Free Radical Polymerization: A Comparative Study

Poly(sodium styrenesulfonate)-functionalized graphene was prepared from graphene oxide, using atom transfer radical polymerization and free radical polymerization. In atom transfer radical polymerization route, the amine-functionalized GO was synthesized through hydroxyl group reaction of GO with 3-amino propyltriethoxysilane. Atom transfer radical polymerization initiator was grafted onto modified GO (GO-NH₂) by reaction of 2-bromo-2-methylpropionyl bromide with amine groups, then styrene sulfonate monomers were polymerized on the surface of GO sheets by in situ atom transfer radical polymerization. In free radical polymerization route, the poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) chains were grafted on GO sheets in presence of Azobis-Isobutyronitrile as an initiator and styrene sulfonate monomer in water medium. The resulting modified GO was characterized using range of techniques. Thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy results indicated the successful graft of polymer chains on GO sheets. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the amount of grafted polymer was 22.5 and 31?wt% in the free radical polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization methods, respectively. The thickness of polymer grafted on GO sheets was 2.1?nm (free radical polymerization method) and 6?nm (atom transfer radical polymerization method) that was measured by atomic force microscopy analysis. X-ray diffractometer and transmission electron microscopy indicated that after grafting of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate), the modified GO sheets still retained isolated and exfoliated, and also the dispersibility was enhanced.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of liquid silicone rubber composites filled with functionalized graphene oxide

To improve the thermal and mechanical properties of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) for application, the graphene oxide (GO) was proposed to reinforce the LSR. The GO was functionalized with triethoxyvinylsilane (TEVS) by dehydration reaction to improve the dispersion and compatibility in the matrix. The structure of the functionalized graphene oxide (TEVS‐GO) was evaluated by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was found that the TEVS was successfully grafted on the surface of GO. The TEVS‐GO/LSR composites were prepared via in situ polymerization. The structure of the composites was verified by FTIR, XRD, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal properties of the composites were characterized by TGA and thermal conductivity. The results showed that the 10% weight loss temperature (T₁₀) increased 16.0°C with only 0.3 wt % addition of TEVS‐GO and the thermal conductivity possessed a two‐fold increase, compared to the pure LSR. Furthermore, the mechanical properties were studied and results revealed that the TEVS‐GO/LSR composites with 0.3 wt % TEVS‐GO displayed a 2.3‐fold increase in tensile strength, a 2.79‐fold enhancement in tear strength, and a 1.97‐fold reinforcement in shear strength compared with the neat LSR. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42582.