Thermal overload device containing a polymer composition containing thermally exfoliated graphite oxide and method of making the same

A thermal overload protective device, comprising:

• a conductive composition comprising:
• a polymer matrix;
• and
• thermally exfoliated graphite oxide configured to:
• comprise a surface area of from about 300 m2/g to 2,600 m2/g;
• display no signature of graphite and no signature of graphite oxide, as determined by X-ray diffraction;
• and
• comprise a wrinkle topology at the nanoscale that mechanically interlocks with the polymer matrix;
• wherein the conductive composition is configured to undergo an event when the conductive composition receives a threshold amount of heat or a current;
• wherein the event comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of an expansion of the polymer matrix and a decrease in electrical conductivity.

A method for making a thermal overload protective device, comprising the step of:

• pattering the thermal overload protective device by application of a fluid comprising:
• a polymer;
• a solvent;
• and
• a modified graphite oxide material, comprising:
• thermally exfoliated graphite oxide comprising:
• a surface area of from about 300 m2/g to 2,600 m2/g;
• an X-ray diffraction pattern that displays no signature of graphite and no signature of graphite oxide;
• and
• a wrinkled topology at the nanoscale that mechanically interlocks with the polymer;
• wherein the fluid is configured to form a conductive composition, the conductive composition configured to undergo an event when the conductive composition receives heat or a current, the event comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of an expansion of the polymer matrix and a decrease in electrical conductivity.