Modeling and Simulation of Graphene Based Polymer Nanocomposites: Advances in the Last Decade

Abstract

Modeling and simulation allow methodical variation of material properties beyond the capacity of experimental methods. The polymers are one of the most commonly used matrices of choice for composites and have found applications in numerous fields. The stiff and fragile structure of monolithic polymers leads to the innate cracks to cause fracture and therefore the engineering applications of monolithic polymers, requiring robust damage tolerance and high fracture toughness, are not ubiquitous. In addition, when "many-parts" cling together to form polymers, a labyrinth of molecules results, which does not offer to electrons and phonons a smooth and continuous passageway. Therefore, the monolithic polymers are bad conductors of heat and electricity. However, it is well established that when polymers are embedded with suitable entities especially nano-fillers, such as metallic oxides, clays, carbon nanotubes, and other carbonaceous materials, their performance is propitiously improved. Among various additives, graphene has recently been employed as nano-filler to enhance mechanical, thermal, electrical, and functional properties of polymers. In this review, advances in the modeling and simulation of grapheme based polymer nanocomposites will be discussed in terms of graphene structure, topographical features, interfacial interactions, dispersion state, aspect ratio, weight fraction, and trade-off between variables and overall performance.

Solution Blow Spinning of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Based Fibers for Energy Harvesting Applications: A Review

“…The flow of polymer solution is different from those of Newtonian fluids [ 106 ]. The stability of fiber spinning of polymer solutions at high tensile rates has been theoretically and experimentally studied for diluted polymer solutions while concentrated polymer solutions still need to be addressed [ 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 ]. The nozzle design is very critical in SBS as it significantly affects the airflow field distribution, air velocity and morphology of the final product [ 104 ].…”

Reasons and remedies for the agglomeration of multilayered graphene and carbon nanotubes in polymers

“…Out of 2009 articles, about 830 articles were on graphene–epoxy nanocomposites produced using solution casting. Therefore, solution casting technique is still the preferred route for the production of polymer nanocomposites [133]. …”

Fractography Analysis with Topographical Features of Multi-Layer Graphene Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites

“…Among different polymers, epoxy is the most commonly used thermosetting polymer matrix in PMCs [2]. The damage tolerance and fracture toughness of epoxy can be enhanced with the incorporation of (nano-) fillers such as metallic oxides [3]- [5], clays [6]- [8], carbon nanotubes (CNTs) [9]- [11], and other carbonaceous materials [12]- [16]. After the groundbreaking experiments on the two-dimensional material graphene by Nobel Laureates, Sir Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov from the University of Manchester, graphene came into limelight in research field mainly because of its excellent electrical [17], thermal [18], and mechanical properties [19].…”