General overview of graphene: Production, properties and application in polymer composites

Abstract

Graphene is a new and exciting material that has attracted much attention in the last decade and is being extensively explored because of its properties, which have been described with so many superlatives. Production of graphene for large scale application is still a major challenge. Top-down graphene exfoliation methods from graphite, such as liquid-phase exfoliation which is promising because of low cost and high scalability potential will be briefly discussed. We also analyze the challenges and possibilities of using graphene as a nanofiller in polymer composites which has resulted in enhanced electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. In this review, we take a panoramic approach to give insight on the different aspects of graphene such as properties, graphite-based production methods and also examples of graphene application in polymer composites and will be beneficial to both novice and experts.

An investigation on the reinforcement mechanism of the nano‐sized carbonaceous filled epoxy‐glass fiber hybrid‐composites through analysis of fracture surfaces

“…In the second stage, to prepare HEG, EG were sonicated for 3 h at 1,000 W using UIP 1000hdT Hielscher Co. ultrasound (Germany). For the preparation of GNPs with highest delamination and also high surface area, a step‐wise decreasing sonication was carried out for 6 h, probe sonication operating started at 1,000 W and every hour it's power decreased for 100 W . As it has been reported in the literature, sonication especially at high power can lead to breakage of graphene sheets and reduce their surface area.…”

Reinforcing effect of amine‐functionalized and carboxylated porous graphene on toughness, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity of epoxy‐based nanocomposites

“…Among nanocarbon materials, graphene, an atomic‐scale material with two‐dimensional (2D) honeycomb lattice and high‐specific surface area, has gained greater heed due to its magnificent properties. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that graphene is capable of fostering thermal and electrical properties of epoxy resin nanocomposites without hampering its stiffness (limiting its mechanical properties) . In our previous study, a synthetized porous graphene was added to epoxy matrices cured with four various hardeners in varying contents from 0 to 1 wt %.…”

Composites of hydrophilic polymers and organic nanocrystals enable enhanced robustness

“…Co‐assembly of inorganic nanocrystals with polymers has been shown to result in novel hybrid materials, where polymer plays a role of a matrix and specific connector, resulting in diverse assembly modes and new functions . Another widely investigated class of hybrids includes polymer/carbon nanotube or graphene arrays, showing enhanced mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity . Adaptive polymer/nanostructure hybrid systems have been also at the focus of current interest.…”