Processing robust mechanical properties is important for elastomeric materials. In this work, different molecular weights of polyethylene glycols (PEG) were used to modify graphene oxide (GO) in order to study the relationship between the number of hydrogen bonds and the properties of the polyurethane/graphene oxide membrane. The fact of PEG was successfully grafted onto the surface of GO was certified by Fourier transform infrared spectra, Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The graft ratio was indicated by thermogravimetric analysis. The presence of hydrogen bonds in PUR/MGO composites membrane was proved by the cyclic loading-unloading test and stress relaxation test. The thermal stability and low-temperature resistance performance of PUR/MGO had been improved compared with PUR/GO. When the molecular weight of PEG grafted on the surface of GO was 600, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composite membrane were optimal. The reason for the improvement of physical and mechanical properties was that the dispersion of filler in the rubber matrix and the compatibility between filler and rubber had been improved.
Keywords: different number-average molecular polyethylene glycols; graphene oxide; hydrogen bonds; organic-inorganic hybrid membranes; polyurethane; properties.