Enhanced mechanical properties of nanocomposites at low graphene content.

ACS Nano

Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180-3590, USA.

Published: December 2009

In this study, the mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites with graphene platelets, single-walled carbon nanotubes, and multi-walled carbon nanotube additives were compared at a nanofiller weight fraction of 0.1 +/- 0.002%. The mechanical properties measured were the Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, fracture toughness, fracture energy, and the material's resistance to fatigue crack propagation. The results indicate that graphene platelets significantly out-perform carbon nanotube additives. The Young's modulus of the graphene nanocomposite was approximately 31% greater than the pristine epoxy as compared to approximately 3% increase for single-walled carbon nanotubes. The tensile strength of the baseline epoxy was enhanced by approximately 40% with graphene platelets compared to approximately 14% improvement for multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The mode I fracture toughness of the nanocomposite with graphene platelets showed approximately 53% increase over the epoxy compared to approximately 20% improvement for multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The fatigue resistance results also showed significantly different trends. While the fatigue suppression response of nanotube/epoxy composites degrades dramatically as the stress intensity factor amplitude is increased, the reverse effect is seen for graphene-based nanocomposites. The superiority of graphene platelets over carbon nanotubes in terms of mechanical properties enhancement may be related to their high specific surface area, enhanced nanofiller-matrix adhesion/interlocking arising from their wrinkled (rough) surface, as well as the two-dimensional (planar) geometry of graphene platelets.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/nn9010472DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

graphene platelets
24
carbon nanotubes
20
mechanical properties
16
multi-walled carbon
12
graphene
8
single-walled carbon
8
carbon nanotube
8
nanotube additives
8
young's modulus
8
tensile strength
8

Similar Publications

Numerical Study on the Static Bending Response of Cracked Wind Turbine Blades Reinforced with Graphene Platelets.

Nanomaterials (Basel)

December 2024

Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Hongik University, Jochiwon, Sejong 30016, Republic of Korea.

With the growing demand for wind energy, the development of advanced materials for wind turbine support structures and blades has garnered significant attention in both industry and academia. In previous research, the authors investigated the incorporation of graphene platelets (GPLs) into wind turbine blades, focusing on the structural performance and cost-effectiveness relative to conventional fiberglass composites. These studies successfully demonstrated the potential advantages of GPL reinforcement in improving blade performance and reducing the blade's weight and costs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study explores the impact of different carbon nanostructure reinforcements and nitinol shape memory alloy (SMA) wire on the vibration behavior of a five-layer sandwich plate with a foam core, aiming to optimize stiffness and weight for sensitive industries.
  • It highlights how various reinforcements like carbon nanotubes, nanorods, and graphene platelets can significantly enhance the mechanical properties, with graphene showing the most substantial improvement in Young's modulus.
  • The research also introduces a novel construction method for the five-layer model using a vacuum pump, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional manual methods and facilitating a thorough experimental examination of its properties.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity (AAFD) is a progressive orthopedic condition causing the collapse of the foot's medial longitudinal arch, often linked with injuries to the plantar arch's passive stabilizers, such as the spring ligament (SL) and plantar fascia. Conventional treatment typically involves replacing the SL with synthetic material grafts, which, while providing mechanical support, lack the biological compatibility of native ligaments. In response to this shortcoming, our study developed an electrospun, twisted polymeric graft made of polycaprolactone (PCL) and type B gelatin (GT), enhanced with graphene oxide (GO), a two-dimensional nanomaterial, to bolster biomechanical attributes.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The growing importance of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composites in civil engineering has garnered increasing attention. Conductive cement-based composites, incorporating various conductive fillers, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon fibers (CFs), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), provide effective solutions due to their high electrical conductivity. While previous studies have primarily focused on improving the overall shielding effectiveness, this research emphasizes balancing the reflection and absorption properties.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Nanocarbon-Polymer Composites for Next-Generation Breast Implant Materials.

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces

September 2024

School of Engineering, College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.

Most breast implants currently used in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery have a silicone outer shell, which, despite much progress, remains susceptible to mechanical failure, infection, and foreign body response. This study shows that the durability and biocompatibility of breast implant-grade silicone can be enhanced by incorporating carbon nanomaterials of sp and sp hybridization into the polymer matrix and onto its surface. Plasma treatment of the implant surface can be used to modify platelet adhesion and activation to prevent thrombosis, postoperative infection, and inflammation disorders.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!