The possibility of obtaining graphene/polymer composites from graphene oxide by a one step process

A method is described for the dispersion of graphene oxide (GO) in dimethyl phthalate that may be used in the production of graphene/polymer composites. Heating the dispersion to 250 °C results in an almost complete reduction of the GO to graphene. The obtained dispersion may be used in further processing of any thermoplastic polymer through melt compounding. Scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopic techniques, thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of graphene under low temperature reduction with dimethyl phthalate.