Stiffness enhancement of polymer nanocomposites via graphene nanoplatelet orientation

Abstract

In the development of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), lightweight and durable materials play a crucial role for extended high‐altitude flights. Nanoparticle‐reinforced polymer composites meet these requirements, exhibiting resistance to environmental degradation. Despite their potential, the outstanding specific strength, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures of graphene–epoxy nanocomposites have not been fully realized due to inadequate dispersion and spatial orientation within epoxy matrices. Our recent research has introduced a mathematical framework aimed at optimizing alignment parameters for graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and Fe3O4‐attached GNP under a weak DC magnetic field. Subsequently, nanocomposites reinforced with GNP and aligned Fe3O4–GNP nanoparticles were fabricated using optimized parameters, and their alignment was characterized using various techniques. The current study examines the influence and comparative impact of alignment and weight percentage (wt%) loading of both nanoparticles on various mechanical properties, including tensile and compressive strength, along with failure mechanisms. It was observed that both GNP and aligned Fe3O4–GNP enhance the mechanical properties of nanocomposites, particularly notable improvements from aligned Fe3O4–GNP. The Young's modulus of GNP nanocomposites increased by 17%, while aligned Fe3O4–GNP contributed significantly to a 31% enhancement in the Young modulus.Highlights Epoxy nanocomposites featuring well‐dispersed GNP and Fe3O4–GNP nanoparticles. Proper alignment of Fe3O4–GNP within the epoxy nanocomposite was achieved. Mechanical properties improved with GNP and aligned Fe3O4–GNP incorporation. The aligned Fe3O4–GNP exhibits advanced potential for engineering applications.

Spatial Graphene Structures with Potential for Hydrogen Storage

“…It should be remembered that although a graphene sheet surface area of 2629 m 2 /g seems theoretically accessible, the spatial forms of graphene are facing their limit. The common level of this parameter for such materials is now within the range of 700 m 2 /g [37] up to about 1100 m 2 /g [38], but recent declarations show even over 2000 m 2 /g [39]. This means an improvement of this parameter by almost six times in comparison to values obtained for r:pGO previously described, which would be in line with the same improvement of hydrogen sorption.…”