Wettability of graphene by molten polymers

TL;DR

This study demonstrates a novel method for measuring the wettability of CVD graphene by molten polymers at high temperatures, providing key data for improving graphene transfer and nanocomposite development.

Contribution

First to perform high temperature contact angle measurements to assess graphene wettability by molten polymers, specifically using PMMA in the 170-200°C range.

Findings

Contact angle and work of adhesion values obtained

Wettability data relevant for graphene transfer processes

Method enables future studies of polymer-graphene interactions

Abstract

Graphene wetting by polymers is a critical issue to both the success of polymer-aided transfer of large size sheets onto specific substrates and to the development of well performing nanocomposites. Here we show for the first time that high temperature contact angle measurements can be performed to investigate the wettability of CVD graphene by molten polymers. In particular, poly(methyl methacrylate), a widely used polymer support for CVD graphene transfer, has been adopted herein for this proof-of-concept study and the values of contact angle and work of adhesion have been provided in the temperature range 170-200 {\deg}C.