Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Unsaturated Polyester Nanoсomposite Incorporating Graphene Oxide, DCPD Maleate and Poly(MMA-BuA)

Abstract

In this study, we aim to synthesize a novel hyperbranched unsaturated polyester resin nanocomposite based on graphene oxide using dicyclopentadiene maleate and poly methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate. The incorporation of graphene oxide in the unsaturated polyester resin enhances the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite. Free radical copolymerization between double bonds of soya fatty acid, which is used to terminate the polyester and methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate along with the reaction of dicyclopentadiene maleate with graphene oxide results in a three-dimensional cross-linked structure, allowing the unsaturated polyester resin to dry faster which makes it suitable for metal coating, especially car coating. The synthesized graphene oxide unsaturated polyester resin was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the modified graphene oxide unsaturated polyester resin exhibited improved thermal stability and mechanical properties compared to the unmodified resin. This study provides a promising approach for developing high-performance nanocomposite materials using modified graphene oxide unsaturated polyester resin.