Effect of polyethyleneimine modified graphene on the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of methyl cellulose composite films

A series of novel methyl cellulose (MC) composite films were prepared using polyethyleneimine reduced graphene oxide (PEI-RGO) as an effective filler for water vapor barrier application. The as-prepared PEI-RGO/MC composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile test and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental and theoretical results exhibited that PEI-RGO was uniformly dispersed in the MC matrix without aggregation and formed an aligned dispersion. The addition of PEI-RGO resulted in an enhanced surface hydrophobicity and a tortuous diffusion pathway for water molecules. Water vapor permeability of PEI-RGO/MC with loading of 3.0% of surface modified graphene was as low as 5.98 × 10−11 g m m−2 s−1 Pa−1. The synergistic effects of enhanced surface hydrophobicity and tortuous diffusion pathway were accounted for the improved water vapor barrier performance of the PEI-RGO/MC composite films.