Spectroscopic Studies on Graphenes Dispersed Within Polymeric Matrices

Graphenes have been dispersed within various polymeric matrices (polyethylene, polyethylene oxide, polystyrene, and epoxy resins). Some have been used as purchased (pristine and functionalized graphene platelets from Cheap Tubes). Pristine and functionalized graphene oxides have been obtained in laboratory according to W. Hummers, R. Offeman, ("Preparation of Graphitic Oxide". J Am Chem Soc \textbf{80}, 6, 1339, 1958) and by original functionalization processes. All these samples were investigated by Raman spectroscopy using a Renishaw InVia spectrometer operating at 532 and 785 nm. Additional information has been obtained by Wide Angle X-Ray Scattering using a Bruker Discover 8 spectrometer. Raman spectra have been fitted by a convolution of modified Breit-Wigner-Fano line shapes and the main parameters (position, intensity, width, asymmetry factor) of each line are discussed. The research aims to a better identification of graphene related nanostructures isolated or dispersed within polymeric matrices by Raman spectroscopy.