Graphene Oxide Modification towards Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

We are living in a period of rapid scientific and technological progress. If something, at first glance, seems to be impossible, it doesn't mean that it is. Driven by the imagination, researchers can bring revolutionary “science fiction” ideas into reality. For example, self-driving cars are poised to become increasingly used. Further, multi-purpose smartphones are employed for a multitude of applications. Moreover, the actuatable contact lenses being designed with additional function allowed by blinking to log in to the internet. Finally, space probes are launched to investigate Mars. The list is endless. A variety of applications require advanced materials with tailored properties. Depending on the potential application, materials should conduct or insulate electricity, be rigid or flexible, be stable over a wide range of temperature and pressure and should ideally be inexpensive. For example, Bakelite, developed and synthesized by Leo Baekeland,1-2 was the first polymer material made from synthetic components. Its insulating and heat-resistant properties made it revolutionary at that time.