Processing of Graphene Oxide/ Polyurethane composites : Enhancement of physical and mechanical properties

This research-based thesis represents the morphology, processing and properties of Thermoplastic Polyu-rethane (TPU) reinforced with graphene oxide. The theoretical part of the thesis demonstrates the struc-ture, basic properties, and applications of polyurethane and graphene oxide. In the experimental part of the thesis, the detailed functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) and the use of functionalized materials to enhance the physical, thermal and mechanical properties of PU is exten-sively studied. The graphene oxide was synthesized in the laboratory by the modified Hummer`s meth-od and the further processing’s were completed after the preparation of master batches of GO/TPU. The structure of the prepared samples was studied with the help of different characterizations methods. The methods like mechanical test, Field Emission scanning electron microscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were used to understand the qualitative and quantitative information of the samples processed using different known equipment. Graphene based materials have profound impact on nanocomposites that can enable the disruptive solu-tions to the different industrial challenges. In addition, the evaluation of functional PU/GO nanocom-posites in this research thesis work are expected to be cost effective, reasonable and relevant for mass production and effective for economy