Issue 20, 2016

Borate cross-linked graphene oxide–chitosan as robust and high gas barrier films

Abstract

Chitosan (CS) is one of the most promising polymers due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and natural abundance. However, its poor mechanical and barrier properties make it difficult to satisfy a wide range of applications. Herein, borate ions, originating from the hydrolysis of sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax), have been used to crosslink chitosan and graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites. Chitosan films consisting of 1.0 wt% boron and 1.0 wt% GO exhibit a significant improvement in both the toughness and oxygen barrier properties compared to pristine chitosan. In particular the tensile strength of the samples after thermal treatment increases by ∼160% compared to pristine chitosan, whereas their oxygen permeability reduces by ∼90%. This is ascribed to the chemical crosslinking between chitosan and GO nanoplatelets through borate ions, as well as the formation of a layered morphology with graphene nanoplatelets oriented parallel to the sample surface. The exceptional robust and high gas barrier film has promising application in the packaging industry. The borate-crosslinking chemistry represents the potential strategy for improving properties of other polymer nanocomposites.

Graphical abstract: Borate cross-linked graphene oxide–chitosan as robust and high gas barrier films

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
15 Jan 2016
Accepted
20 Apr 2016
First published
21 Apr 2016

Nanoscale, 2016,8, 10783-10791

Borate cross-linked graphene oxide–chitosan as robust and high gas barrier films

N. Yan, F. Capezzuto, M. Lavorgna, G. G. Buonocore, F. Tescione, H. Xia and L. Ambrosio, Nanoscale, 2016, 8, 10783 DOI: 10.1039/C6NR00377J

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