LAUSR

Abstract A kind of novel nanocoating based on star polymers and graphene was developed. The hydroxyl functionalized star polymers were synthesized by Activators Regenerated by Electron Transfer Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ARGET ATRP) using core-first approach. The branching behavior, copolymer composition and glass transition temperature was characterized clearly. Graphene/star polymer coating shows lower conductive percolation threshold values relative to linear analog. Transmission electronic microscopy verified the better dispersion of graphene sheet in star polymer matrix than linear polymer matrix. Rheological tests revealed that the increase of viscosity of star polymer solution aroused by addition of graphene was much weaker compared to that of linear counterpart. Star polymer based coating exhibit very short tack-free time and superior impact resistance. All the results demonstrate that star polymer is a good candidate to fabricate graphene filled nanocoating with advantages in performance as well as processing.