One-step synthesis of hydrophilic graphene-Fe3O4-PVA composite film: Micromorphology and performance

Multifunctional polymers have wide applications in smart materials. In this study, the multifunctional polymer (hydrophilic graphene-Fe₃O₄-PVA, GFP composite films) were synthesized by mixing with hydrophilic graphene (HG), ferrous ammonium sulfate, and ferric chloride in PVA solution through one-pot coprecipitation method. GFP composite films were characterized by XRD, FT-IR. Their morphology and particle size of Fe₃O₄ in GFP composite film were observed by TEM, SEM, and AFM. The results indicated that the morphology of Fe₃O₄ in GFP could be modulated from sphere shape to rod structure by the loading quantity of HG. Besides, many properties of GFP composite films were investigated. Firstly, GFP composite films demonstrated the fast magnetic response and high thermal stability. Secondly, the introduction of HG not only simultaneously enhanced the stiffness and ductility of GFP composite films, but also improved their flame retarding performance. Finally, HG regulating effect for the morphology of Fe₃O₄ in GFP and improvement mechanism of HG for mechanical performance of GFP composite films were illustrated. Both of them might be contributed to the hydrogen bonds effect among Fe₃O₄, PVA, and HG. Thus, these multifunctional GFP composite films can be applicable as the basis of fabricating smart materials in different fields. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 48174.