The microstructure of a graphene-reinforced tennis racquet

Abstract

The microstructure of a graphene-reinforced tennis racquet has been analysed using a combination of optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. It is shown that the main structural components in the racquet frame are high-strength carbon fibres in an epoxy resin matrix. It is also found that graphene-based nanoparticles are used to reinforce resin-rich regions in the shaft of the racquet at the discontinuity in the fibre tows, where the handle is joined to the racquet head. From a detailed analysis of the relative positions and intensities of the Raman G and 2D bands, it is demonstrated that the nanoparticles employed in the racquet are most probably graphite nanoplatelets which have been added to improve the mechanical properties of the resin-rich regions. The nomenclature used for describing graphene-based materials is also discussed in the context of this present study.

Exfoliation of Few‐Layer Graphene in Volatile Solvents Using Aromatic Perylene Diimide Derivatives as Surfactants

“…In view of their high surface‐to‐volume ratio, GRMs are particularly appealing as nanofillers for polymer nanocomposites, especially for structural applications in the aerospace, automotive, and sporting tool industries, and so on. The number of final products on the market containing graphene‐based composites is increasing continuously, including, for example, tennis rackets, bicycles, and skis.…”

Graphene and related materials in hierarchical fiber composites: Production techniques and key industrial benefits

“…The first commercial widespread application of GRM was in 2013, when HEAD launched a new tennis racquet series with GRM, which allow the weight redistribution in the racquet (up to 20% lighter) providing better manoeuvrability and increased swing weight. Thanks to the success obtained, in the following years Head commercialized new series of racquets, skis and snowboards reinforced with GRM, [120,121] Padel rackets are also currently commercialized, with GRM claimed to provide more rigidity to the racket, better control over the ball, and resistance. [44,122] Vittoria Industries has developed a new class of cycling tyres and CFRC wheels with GRM.…”

Developing Graphene‐Based Nanohybrids for Electrochemical Sensing

“…A few layer graphene material is composed of about 2–5 layers of graphene layers. A multi‐layer graphene material is composed of about 5–10 graphene layers . Normally, a lateral dimension, less than 100 nm, is referred to as a graphene nanosheet, and a lateral dimension between 100 nm and 100 μm is referred to as a graphene microsheet.…”