Abstract: The foaming agent B-AEP was synthesized using N-aminethylpiperazine (AEP) and carbon dioxide as raw materials, and subsequently loaded onto the surface of graphene oxide (GO). This resulted in the successful preparation of functional graphene oxide particles with integrated nucleus, foam and reinforcement, known as GO@B-AEP. Furthermore, functional graphene oxide modified phenolic (GO/PF) microfoamed composites were prepared through a one-step limited foaming method. The structure of GO@B-AEP was characterized using infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of varying amounts of GO addition, apparent density, and foaming agent content on the mechanical properties of GO/PF microfoamable composites were investigated using a multipurpose testing machine and Shore hardness tester. Additionally, SEM analysis was conducted to analyze the micropore structure and pore size distribution. The results demonstrate that optimal mechanical properties and thermal stability are achieved when the dosage of GO is 0.4wt%. Similarly, superior pore quality is observed at an apparent density of 1.0 g/cm³. Moreover, when the content of foaming agent is set at 1.5wt%, improved shape and size characteristics are observed in the pores along with significantly enhanced mechanical properties in GO/PF microfoamed composites.

Key words: graphene oxide, phenolic resin composites, microfoam, enhanced modification