Processing and characterization of polymer-graphene nanocomposites

Abstract

Graphene has been an emerging carbon nanomaterial with the potential of being used in various multifunctional, high-performance polymer applications for its outstanding performance-to-cost ratio as compared to carbon nanotubes. (Graphene is a two-dimensional, one-atom-thick planar sheet of sp 2-bonded carbon atoms that are densely packed in a honeycomb crystal lattice.) This paper presents an experimental study on processing and characterization of graphene-reinforced polymer composites at various graphene contents. Graphene nanocomposite films were fabricated using sonication and solution casting followed by hot pressing. The thermomechanical viscoelastic properties were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis, and the fracture surfaces were observed under the scanning electron microscope to analyze the morphology and graphene dispersion. The inherent electrical conductivity of polymer-graphene nanocomposites imparted piezoresistivity, and the potential use of the nanocomposites as piezoresitive strain sensors was demonstrated.