Mix reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) with Graphene Oxide (GO) to improve performance
Ensuring uniform graphene dispersion within the polymer masterbatch is key to achieving the targeted material properties. With graphene-based materials, we often work with two main forms: Graphene Oxide (GO) and Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO). Each behaves differently, and in some cases, mixing them gives results we couldn’t get with either one alone.
GO and rGO — different strengths
Graphene Oxide (GO) contains oxygen groups that make it hydrophilic and much easier to disperse in water and polar polymers. It bonds well with many matrices and helps improve mechanical strength and barrier properties. The trade-off is that those oxygen groups interrupt the graphene’s electronic structure, so GO by itself isn’t very conductive.
Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) has fewer oxygen groups, which restores the graphene π-network responsible for electrical and thermal conductivity. But that also makes it hydrophobic - it doesn’t like water and tends to stick to itself. That clustering makes dispersion more difficult.
Why combine them
When GO and rGO are mixed, something interesting happens. GO acts like a compatibilizer, helping rGO distribute more evenly through the polymer. rGO then forms the conductive network that gives the composite its electrical and thermal performance. Together they form a more stable and effective structure - GO maintaining the dispersion and rGO linking everything together.
This hybrid system is particularly useful in antistatic materials, conductive coatings, EMI shielding, and thermal management applications.
When it makes sense
If the goal is conductivity, combining GO and rGO usually gives the best result. If you’re only looking for mechanical reinforcement or barrier improvement, then GO alone is often enough and easier to process.
The takeaway
GO helps things mix. rGO makes things conduct. Together, they let us build composites that are both strong and functional - a step closer to truly multifunctional polymer materials.