Highly tough graphene oxide/cis-1,4-polyisoprene films enabled by ionic liquid-enhanced chemical Interface interaction

To better substitute natural rubber latex (NRL) with cis -1,4-polyisoprene latex (IRL), and thus fundamentally solve the problem of allergies induced by NRL products in humans, a novel latex compounding method was devised. This method aimed to enhance the mechanical properties of IRL films by non-covalently modifying graphene oxide (GO) with ionic liquids (IL), which significantly improved the dispersion of GO in water. The interaction between IL and GO was thoroughly investigated. Subsequently, IL-GO/IRL composite latexes featuring a fine dispersion of IL-GO were successfully developed. An extensive investigation into the properties and morphology of the IL-GO/IRL latex revealed their stability, excellent film-forming abilities, and superior mechanical characteristics, rendering them ideal for dipping processes. The resulting thickness-adjustable IL-GO/IRL composite films exhibited remarkable mechanical properties. Notably, the tensile strength of the 1.5IL-GO/IRL vulcanized film surpassed that of GO/IRL films by 2.75 times and NRL films by 10.49%. Additionally, the crosslinking density of the IL-GO/IRL vulcanized films was improved. Further analysis of the interaction between IL-GO and polyisoprene macromolecules was also conducted. The composite films are poised to find applications in high-end medical and artificial intelligence fields. Highlights Mechanical performance of IRL was enhanced by introducing IL-GO. Fine GO dispersed composite latexes were ideal for the dipping process. Composite films boast superior mechanical properties surpassing NRL films. Resulting composite film was thickness-adjustable and ultra-thin. CC bonds in IL and IR formed covalent linkages, boosting GO-IR chain interaction.