Graphene-Incorporated Natural Fiber Polymer Composites: A First Overview

Abstract

A novel class of graphene-based materials incorporated into natural lignocellulosic fiber (NLF) polymer composites is surging since 2011. The present overview is the first attempt to compile achievements regarding this novel class of composites both in terms of technical and scientific researches as well as development of innovative products. A brief description of the graphene nature and its recent isolation from graphite is initially presented together with the processing of its main derivatives. In particular, graphene-based materials, such as nanographene (NG), exfoliated graphene/graphite nanoplatelet (GNP), graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), as well as other carbon-based nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotube (CNT), are effectively being incorporated into NLF composites. Their disclosed superior mechanical, thermal, electrical, and ballistic properties are discussed in specific publications. Interfacial shear strength of 575 MPa and tensile strength of 379 MPa were attained in 1 wt % GO-jute fiber and 0.75 wt % jute fiber, respectively, epoxy composites. Moreover, a Young’s modulus of 44.4 GPa was reported for 0.75 wt % GO-jute fiber composite. An important point of interest concerning this incorporation is the fact that the amphiphilic character of graphene allows a better way to enhance the interfacial adhesion between hydrophilic NLF and hydrophobic polymer matrix. As indicated in this overview, two basic incorporation strategies have so far been adopted. In the first, NG, GNP, GO, rGO and CNT are used as hybrid filler together with NLF to reinforce polymer composites. The second one starts with GO or rGO as a coating to functionalize molecular bonding with NLF, which is then added into a polymeric matrix. Both strategies are contributing to develop innovative products for energy storage, drug release, biosensor, functional electronic clothes, medical implants, and armor for ballistic protection. As such, this first overview intends to provide a critical assessment of a surging class of composite materials and unveil successful development associated with graphene incorporated NLF polymer composites.

Efficient Chitosan/Nitrogen-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Membranes for Direct Alkaline Ethanol Fuel Cells

“…The resulting properties of polymer/graphene composites can be affected by the type of graphene used, its specific surface area, dispersibility in a polymer matrix, interfacial interactions, surface functionalities, the processing method, etc. [ 17 ]. In this respect, we have synthesized 3-representative types of nitrogen doped graphene derivatives, i.e., 2D nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO), quasi-1D nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide nanoribbons (N-rGONRs), and 3D N-polyenaminone (N-pEAO).…”

Effect of Chemical Treatment and Length of Raffia Fiber (Raphia vinifera) on Mechanical Stiffening of Polyester Composites

“…One way to improve the performance of natural fiber-based composites is the treatment by the chemical modification of the NLF surface [38]. In order to improve the interfacial adhesion between natural fibers and the polymeric matrix, several chemical treatments have been extensively investigated, such as alkali, silane, benzoyl, acetylation, acrylation, permanganate, graphene-based coating, and stearic acid [39][40][41][42]. The alkali treatment is the most commonly used to partially remove the lignin, hemicellulose, wax, and oils covering the external surface of natural fibers, enhancing the matrix-fiber interface and, consequently, the composites mechanical properties [10].…”

Ballistic Performance of Ramie Fabric Reinforcing Graphene Oxide-Incorporated Epoxy Matrix Composite

“…The maximum rate of degradation peaks present at 309.2 and 475.2 °C may be associated with the decomposition of hemicellulose and lignin, respectively [ 59 ]. In the intermediate temperature values, the observed peaks may be attributed to the degradation of the fiber cellulose and the epoxy resin reinforced with GO [ 41 , 60 ], since it was observed that the addition of GO does not alter the decomposition mechanism in the epoxy matrix [ 4 , 57 ]. Regarding the TGA results in Figure 7 , one may consider the working temperature for this novel ramie fabric-reinforced GO-incorporated composite to be 300 °C.…”

“…These bands involve the vibration of O-containing groups in which their intensities were obviously enhanced by the GO [ 64 ]. This may be interpreted as an effective interaction of the GO with the epoxy and probably a good distribution of GO in the composite matrix, which contributes not only to enhance mechanical properties but also to improve the ballistic performance of the GO-incorporated composite [ 4 ].…”

“…Graphene is a typical example. A recent overview reported an exponential surge in a novel class of natural fiber polymer composites incorporated with graphene-based materials [ 4 ]. This incorporation could improve the interfacial adhesion between natural hydrophilic fibers and the hydrophobic polymer matrix [ 5 ].…”