Lightweight, High Performance Polymer Composites for Modern Engineering Applications

摘要

Modern engineering applications require a new class of lightweight materials that offer high performance. Graphene-polymer matrix composites are promising structural materials due to the exceptional properties of graphene. Here, we demonstrate a general approach to produce graphene nanoflake enhanced polymer matrix composites (G-PMCs) that utilizes in situ shear exfoliation of graphite particles directly within molten polymer, which provides strong graphene-matrix bonding, possibility for high graphene concentrations, and reduced materials costs. Several polymers used in this work to prepare G-PMCs show an increase in tensile modulus ranging from 200 -530 %, depending on the polymer chemistry. These G-PMCs offer high modulus at reduced weight and costs relative to traditional materials and carbon fiber PMCs. This materials substitution offers operational energy cost savings since fuel costs are lowered and longer service lifetime since these materials are corrosion resistant.