Graphene in Composite Materials

Preface

1. Introduction to Graphene
1.1. Allotropes of Carbon
1.2. Properties of Graphene
1.3. Synthesis of Graphene
1.4. Characterization of Graphene
1.5. Graphene as a Nanofiller in Composites
1.6. References

2. Graphene Polymer Composites: Processing and Characterization of Their Mechanical, Electrical, and Thermal Properties
2.1. Processing and Dispersion of Graphene in Polymers
2.2. Tensile Properties: Young’s Modulus and Ultimate Tensile Strength
2.3. Compressive Properties: Buckling Stability
2.4. Fracture Toughness
2.5. Fatigue Resistance
2.6. Toughening Mechanisms
2.7. Characterizing the Graphene/Matrix Interface
2.8. Characterizing the Interphase in Graphene Polymer Composites
2.9. Viscoelastic Properties
2.10. Wear Properties
2.11. Creep
2.12. Electrical Conductivity
2.13. Thermal Conductivity
2.14. Graphene Nanoribbon-based Composites
2.15. References

3. Hybrid Graphene/Microfiber Composites
3.1. Processing of Hierarchical Graphene Composites
3.2. Testing of Hierarchical Graphene Composites
3.3. Conclusion
3.4. References

4. Graphene Ceramic and Graphene Metal-Matrix Composites
4.1. Ceramic Matrix Composites
4.2. Metal Matrix Composites
4.3. References

5. Graphene Colloids and Coatings
5.1. Graphene Oxide Colloids
5.2. Functionalized Graphene Oxide Colloids
5.3. Reduced Graphene Oxide Colloids
5.4. Graphene Colloids Stabilized by Surfactants
5.5. Applications of Graphene Colloids
5.6. References

Index

Book Review

Perhaps the most promising and technologically feasible application of graphene in the nearest term is its use as a nanofiller in bulk composites to improve the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of polymer, metal and ceramic matrix composites. Koratkar’s new book provides a timely and comprehensive review of the state-of-art on this important topic and will be of great interests to industry professionals as well as academics and students. The book details various approaches to produce graphene in bulk quantities including both top-down and bottom-up methods. Then it describes various microscopy and spectroscopy tools that can be used to characterize the structure/properties of graphene. Next the book describes in detail how graphene can be infiltrated in a variety of composite matrices including polymers such as epoxies, structural ceramics such as silicon nitride and metals such as aluminum. The resulting improvements in mechanical, thermal and electrical properties as a function of the graphene loading are given along with basic mathematical models to predict the performance of these novel materials.

The book also describes hierarchical composites obtained by introducing graphene into conventional microfiber reinforced polymer composites which are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. Another very useful feature of the book is that it discusses the synthesis, stability and applications of graphene based colloidal dispersions in liquid matrices. Wherever possible the book compares the performance of graphene with other competing nanofillers such as carbon nanotubes, fullerenes and nanoparticles to give readers a clear perspective on the advantages and the limitations of graphene in composite materials.

Overall the book is the first comprehensive review of this important and fast emerging frontier area of graphene research and is written by a world renowned expert on this topic. I think the book will find widespread use in industry, academia, and government research laboratories.

Hui-Ming Cheng, Professor
Director of Advanced Carbon Division
Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science
Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences