Fabrication of Graphene Oxide/Polyurethane Nanocomposite Foams Featuring Enhanced Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties

Polyurethane is a class of polymers with the potential of foaming and with excellent mechanical and thermal properties. However, in order to use PU in advanced applications, its physical properties must be improved. Accordingly, in this research proposal, we plan to incorporate graphene oxide (GO), a derivative of graphene, into polyurethane foam to improve its physical properties. GO is a monolayer of carbon atoms hexagonally attached to each other with some oxygen bonding across the carbon nanostructure. This nanomaterial features outstanding physical properties, and incorporation of a very small amount of GO into polyurethane can improve its physical properties drastically.
Our industry partner, ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. (“ZEN”), has discovered a large and very rare igneous-related graphite deposit in Northern Ontario called the Albany Graphite Deposit [www.zengraphene.com]. This research project aims to develop the synthesis technology of GO from the as-receive ZEN’s graphite via a chemical method. The fabricated GO will be incorporated into generated polyurethane to make GO/polyurethane nanocomposites foam. These nanocomposite foams are expected to be used in various part of cars, such car hood, produced by ZEN’s automotive industry partner.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mohammad Arjmand

Student:

Seyyedarash Haddadi

Partner:

ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering - other

Sector:

Mining and quarrying

University:

Program: