Thermomechanical Properties of Carbon Nanocomposites PEGDA Photopolymers.

In this work, UV-curable resin poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) was reinforced with three different types of nanofillers: pristine graphene (G), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and a hybrid of MWNTs and graphene 70/30 in mass ratio (Hyb). PEGDA was mixed homogenously with the nanofiller oligomer by shear mixing and then photopolymerized, affording thin, stable films. The thermomechanical properties of the afforded nanocomposites indicated the superior reinforcing ability of pristine graphene compared with MWNTs and an intermediate behavior of the hybrid.

Graphene Aerogel Growth on Functionalized Carbon Fibers.

Graphene aerogel (GA) is a lightweight, porous, environmentally friendly, 3D structured material with interesting properties, such as electrical conductivity, a high surface area, and chemical stability, which make it a powerful tool in energy storage, sensing, catalyst support, or environmental applications. However, the poor mechanical stability that often characterizes graphene aerogels is a serious obstacle for their use in such applications. Therefore, we report here the successful mechanical reinforcement of GA with carbon fibers (CFs) by combining reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and CFs in a composite material.

Highly dispersible disk-like graphene nanoflakes.

We present the preparation of disk-like graphene nanoflakes, highly dispersible in dimethylformamide (DMF), with uniform size and thickness. The preparation procedure includes an overnight mild sonication of natural graphite in DMF, followed by a purification step using ultra-centrifugation. The mean diameter of the as produced well defined round shaped graphene nanoflakes is about 100 nm and they consisted of less than twenty graphenic layers.