Particle templated graphene-based composites with tailored electro-mechanical properties

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Date of Original Version

1-1-2015

Abstract

A capillary-driven particle level templating technique was utilized to disperse graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) within a polystyrene matrix to form composites that possess tailored electro-mechanical properties. Utilizing capillary interactions, highly segregated composites were formed via a melt processing procedure. Since the graphene particles only resided at the boundary between the polymer matrix particles, the composites possess tremendous electrical conductivity but poor mechanical strength. To improve the mechanical properties of the composite, the graphene networks in the specimen were deformed by shear. An experimental investigation was conducted to understand the effect of graphene content as well as shearing on the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of the composites. The experimental results show that both the mechanical and electrical properties of the composites can be altered using this very simple technique and therefore easily be tailored for desired applications.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series

Volume

4B

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