Session: Undergraduate Research in Polymer Science:

Oxidative degradation of asphalt mixtures is one of the major causes of roadway deterioration. Polyisobutylene modified graphene oxide (PIB-g-GO) nanoparticles have been shown to be effective in reducing oxygen permeation through model asphalt matrices. However, to achieve a reduction in oxygen permeation, the PIB-g-GO nanoparticles must be well dispersed in the matrix. Traditionally, sonication has been used; however, it is energy-intensive and can damage the nanoparticles. Dispersion via shear mixing may be a low energy alternative that will not damage the basal plane of the PIB-g-GO particles. To explore this, nanocomposite films were fabricated using styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer as a model matrix with 0.25 wt. % PIB-g-GO as a functional additive. Shear mixing times of 1 hour and 24 hours were chosen to explore the effect of shear mixing on particle dispersion and oxygen barrier properties. All films were tested in a MOCON instrument to determine oxygen barrier properties.

Sarah Lauren Landrum

Undergraduate Research Assistant, The University of Southern Mississippi

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