Abstract: Graphene is a single layer carbon-based material known for high strength, high flexibility, high electrical conductivity, high surface area, hydrophobicity and barrier property. Introduction of surface functional groups on graphene enhances most of these properties. A facile and economical process to prepare amine and fluoride functionalized graphenes is disclosed. The disclosed processes utilize direct functionalization of pristine graphene without pre-functionalization (GO). Successful functionalization of both aminated and fluorinated graphenes were confirmed by the analyses of FT-IR, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman, UV-Vis, and dispersion study. Amine functional groups can react with epoxy resin and urethane resin to form a covalent bond, and fluorinated graphene can give high hydrophobicity and durability, therefore both can be applied as a material or a component in polymer and composite coatings for corrosion protection, moisture or gas barriers.

Abstract: Graphene is a single layer carbon-based material known for high strength, high flexibility, high electrical conductivity, high surface area, hydrophobicity and barrier property. Introduction of surface functional groups on graphene enhances most of these properties. A facile and economical process to prepare amine and fluoride functionalized graphenes is disclosed. The disclosed processes utilize direct functionalization of pristine graphene without pre-functionalization (GO). Successful functionalization of both aminated and fluorinated graphenes were confirmed by the analyses of FT-IR, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman, UV-Vis, and dispersion study. Amine functional groups can react with epoxy resin and urethane resin to form a covalent bond, and fluorinated graphene can give high hydrophobicity and durability, therefore both can be applied as a material or a component in polymer and composite coatings for corrosion protection, moisture or gas barriers.