Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Multi-layer Graphene Filled Poly(vinyl chloride) Composite Films

In order to improve mechanical properties of soft poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films, we used commercial multi-layer graphene (MLG) with large size and high structural integrity as reinforcing fillers, and prepared MLG/PVC composite films by using conventional melt-mixing methods. Microstructures, static and dynamic mechanical properties of the MLG/PVC composite films were investigated. The results showed that a small amount of MLG loading could greatly increase the mechanical properties of the MLG/PVC composites. The tensile modulus of the 0.96 wt% MLG/PVC composites was up to 40 MPa, increasing by 31.3% in comparison to the neat PVC. Such a significant mechanical reinforcement was mainly attributed to uniform dispersion of the large-size MLG, good compatibility and strong interactions among MLG and plasticizers and PVC.