@article{2d1941a02c934594af201e74eb424038,
title = "Graphene/polymer nanocomposite degradation by ultraviolet light: The effects of graphene nanofillers and their potential for release",
abstract = "The ultraviolet (UV)-induced degradation of graphene/polymer nanocomposites was investigated in this study. Specifically, the effect of few-layer graphene nanofillers on the degradation of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and the release potential of graphene from the degraded nanocomposite surfaces were assessed. Graphene/TPU (G/TPU) nanocomposites and neat TPU were UV-exposed under both dry and humid conditions in the NIST SPHERE, a precisely controlled, high intensity UV-weathering device. Neat TPU and G/TPU were characterized over the time course of UV exposure using color measurements and infrared spectroscopy, for appearance and chemical changes, respectively. Changes in thickness and surface morphology were obtained with scanning electron microscopy. A new fluorescence quenching measurement approach was developed to identify graphene sheets at the nanocomposite surface, which was supported by contact angle measurements. The potential for graphene release from the nanocomposite surface was evaluated using a tape-lift method followed by microscopy of any particles present on the tape. The findings suggest that graphene improves the service life of TPU with respect to UV exposure, but that graphene becomes exposed at the nanocomposite surface over time, which may potentially lead to its release when exposed to small mechanical forces or upon contact with other materials.",
keywords = "Graphene, degradation, nanoparticle release, polymer nanocomposite, polyurethane, ultraviolet weathering",
author = "Goodwin, {David G.} and Shen, {Shih Jia} and Yadong Lyu and Ronald Lankone and Barrios, {Ana C.} and Samir Kabir and Fran{\c c}ois Perreault and Wendel Wohlleben and Tinh Nguyen and Lipiin Sung",
note = "Funding Information: The authors would like to thank Paul Stutzman for his advice and expertise with respect to SEM imaging. Goodwin acknowledges the National Research Council (NRC) Associateship program for funding and support of this work. Kabir thanks the Montgomery College Internship program for funding his work on this study. Barrios and Perreault acknowledge the financial support of the National Science Foundation through the CBET-1708681 and EEC-1449500 awards. Barrios also acknowledges the support of a Dean{\textquoteright}s Fellowship from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and a Scholar Award given by the International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. The authors also thank {\v Z}eljko Tomovi{\'c} for compounding the G/TPU and Patrizia-Marie Pfohl who provided the data for molar mass and cross-linking changes after UV exposure. Funding Information: The authors would like to thank Paul Stutzman for his advice and expertise with respect to SEM imaging. Goodwin acknowledges the National Research Council (NRC) Associateship program for funding and support of this work. Kabir thanks the Montgomery College Internship program for funding his work on this study. Barrios and Perreault acknowledge the financial support of the National Science Foundation through the CBET-1708681 and EEC-1449500 awards. Barrios also acknowledges the support of a Dean's Fellowship from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and a Scholar Award given by the International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. The authors also thank ?eljko Tomovi? for compounding the G/TPU and Patrizia-Marie Pfohl who provided the data for molar mass and cross-linking changes after UV exposure. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2020",
year = "2020",
month = dec,
doi = "10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2020.109365",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "182",
journal = "Polymer Degradation and Stability",
issn = "0141-3910",
publisher = "Elsevier Limited",
}