Epoxy/graphene nanocomposites prepared by in-situ microwaving

Influence of Polymer Matrix on Polymer/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Intrinsic Properties

“…There have been considerable research efforts to prepare polymer/2D material-based nanocomposites using a variety of fabrication techniques such as melt mixing, solution blending, and emulsion-based approaches including in situ polymerization. − Although advantages of combining polymeric matrices and 2D materials have been widely reported, multiple challenges remain to be addressed. For example, the majority of the research utilized commercial polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane, poly­(methyl methacrylate), poly­(vinyl alcohol), epoxy, and conducting polymers. ,− There are benefits associated with the use of commercial polymers and traditional fabrication techniques (melt mixing and solution blending), , although the higher filler loadings typically employed induce restacking (of the filler), thus compromising the final properties of the nanocomposite films …”

“…For example, the so-called physical mixing method, which entails mixing of a polymer latex (synthesized using emulsion polymerization) with an aqueous GO dispersion (5 wt % relative to the polymer) followed by thermal reduction of GO, yielded a conductivity of ∼200 S m –1 compared to ∼2 S m –1 obtained for the corresponding miniemulsion polymerization approach ( in situ polymerization of the monomer using GO as a surfactant in a single pot). In addition to GO and rGO, there remains an ongoing interest in graphene platelets as 2D conductive fillers, particularly in elastomeric polymer matrices. ,, Graphene platelets have the advantage of a high aspect ratio and high electrical conductivity as compared to more traditionally used rGO sheets; , however, their colloidal stability to form aqueous emulsions remains a challenge.…”

Effect of graphite nanoplatelets on spark plasma sintered and conventionally sintered aluminum-based nanocomposites developed by powder metallurgy

“…A Contech model-CB-300 density measuring kit was used to determine the weights of the different samples using distilled water (ρ = 1 g/cm 3 ) as the reference liquid. The reference densities of pure Al and the GnPs were considered as 2.7 g/cm 3 and 2.26 g/cm 3 , respectively [26]. A Leco LM248AT Vickers microhardness tester having a pyramidal diamond indenter was used to determine the hardness of the sintered samples with an indent load of 10 gf and a dwell time of 10 s. The specimens for the compression test were prepared according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E9 standards.…”

Study of Graphene Epoxy/Nanoplatelets Thin Films Subjected to Aging in Corrosive Environments

“…More recently the improvements by graphene on physical properties of epoxy at extremely small loading when incorporated appropriately, along with the structure, preparation and properties of epoxy/graphene nanocomposites have been reviewed, focusing on the processing methods and mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fire-retardant properties of the nanocomposites [22]. Moreover, a facile, green, and novel approach to prepare epoxy/graphene nanocomposites, involving microwaving a commercial graphene precursor and mechanically stirring to produce graphene platelets in a hot, liquid-state epoxy resin, eliminating the need for organic solvents and surfactants, was presented last year [23]. This work allowed one to show that the use of microwave radiation yields an environmentally sustainable, low-cost, and simple method for the development of polymer nanocomposites containing exfoliated and well-dispersed graphene platelets.…”