Vibrational characteristics of bilayer graphene sheets

Bilayer graphene sheets (BLGSs) are currently receiving increasing attention. In this paper, the vibration characteristics of BLGSs are investigated using analytical and atomistic finite element approaches. Various possible scenarios, namely different geometrical configuration (armchair and zigzag), boundary conditions, and aspect ratio are considered in the present study. The dynamic characteristics of BLGS studied have shown dependence on aspect ratio and the boundary conditions. The unique vibrational properties and large stiffness of BLGS identified in the present work make them suitable candidates for manufacturing nanosensors; electromechanical resonators also will aid the nanomaterials research community to design nanodevices.     

Tailor made exfoliated reduced graphene oxide nanosheets based on oxidative-exfoliation approach

This study presents a versatile and scalable strategy of ‘oxidation controlled exfoliation’ of rGO nanosheets synthesized from both Hummers and modified Hummers method. A co-relation between degree of oxidation of graphite oxide (GO) sheets and exfoliation of resulting synthesized rGO nanosheets has been successfully developed which in turn reflects in various properties of rGO sheets. The extent of exfoliation of rGO sheets has been well analyzed by XRD, SEM, BET and TEM techniques. Moreover, the quantitative analysis of degree of oxidation of GO has been estimated from FTIR spectra using quotient law method. The variations in number of rGO layers, defect density and sp² domain size have been investigated in detail by Raman spectroscopic technique. Both qualitative-quantitative analysis of rGO nanosheets have been discussed from their SAED pattern and HR-TEM images. The optical characterization of GO and corresponding rGO nanosheets has been studied in detail by UV- Vis spectroscopic technique.     

Active electrode materials of graphene balls and their composites for supercapacitors: A perspective view

In recent years, supercapacitors have received considerable research attention for energy storage systems due to their high-power density, fast charge-discharge processes, and long cycle life. The superior performance of supercapacitors is considerably dependent on the electrode materials. Among electrode materials, graphene balls (GBs) and their composites have recently attracted strong interest. They are considered ideal for the fabrication of electrode materials because of their unique characteristics of large specific surface area and superior electric conductivity, which should make them very effective for use in supercapacitors. In particular, GBs and their microstructured composites have recently been proven promising candidates for supercapacitor electrodes. Their unique 3D morphology provides highly porous graphene structures for decoration with active materials. In this perspective, recent studies were highlighted and discussed that focus on GBs and their composites for the potential energy storage devices called supercapacitors, (i.e., electric double layer capacitors and pseudocapacitors).     

Interface-hydrothermal synthesis of Sn3S4/graphene sheet composites and their application in electrochemical capacitors

An efficient interface-hydrothermal approach is developed to synthesize Sn₃S₄/graphene sheet composites (SSGSCs), where the graphene sheets (GSs) are separated by fine Sn₃S₄ nanoparticles (NPs) well-dispersed onto their surfaces. The SSGSCs are investigated as electroactive materials for electrochemical capacitors (ECs) application. Due to the positive synergistic effect of GSs and Sn₃S₄ NPs, the unique SSGSCs electrode owns the ability to deliver large specific capacitance and good electrochemical stability at high rates. Moreover, the method we proposed here provides a universal and simple approach to synthesize other metal sulfides/GSs composites for ECs and even for Li-ion battery applications.     

Enhanced tensile properties of aluminium matrix composites reinforced with graphene encapsulated SiC nanoparticles

Due to a high propensity of nano-particles to agglomerate, making aluminium matrix composites with a uniform dispersion of the nano-particles using liquid routes is an exceptionally difficult task. In this study, an innovative approach was utilised to prevent agglomeration of nano-particle by encapsulating SiC nano-particles using graphene sheets during ball milling. Subsequently, the milled mixture was incorporated into A356 molten alloy using non-contact ultrasonic vibration method. Two different shapes for graphene sheets were characterised using HRTEM, including onion-like shells encapsulating SiC particles and disk-shaped graphene nanosheets. This resulted in 45% and 84% improvement in yield strength and tensile ductility, respectively. The former was ascribed to the Orowan strengthening mechanism, while the latter is due primarily to the fiber pull-out mechanism, brought about by the alteration of the solidification mechanism from particle pushing to particle engulfment during solidification as a consequence of high thermal conductive graphene sheets encapsulating SiC particles.     

Synthesis of carbon-mineral composites and graphene

Abstract

С/Al₂O₃ and C/MgO carbon-mineral composites were synthesized by propane decomposition over Al₂O₃ at 600–650?°C and MgO carbonization in 1,3-butadiene at 600?°C. The synthesized carbon-mineral composites were studied by EPR, XRD and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that a mosaic structure of carbon clusters was formed on the internal surface of the oxides and gradually grew until it covered its whole surface. A method for synthesis of graphene materials by using MgO as a template followed by its dissolution in hydrochloric acid was suggested. A maximum was observed on the dependence of the graphene surface area on the carbon concentration in the composites. The highest specific surface area of the synthesized graphene about 1800–1900?m²/g was observed for the samples obtained from C-MgO composites containing 8–10?wt.% C.     

Few layers of graphene as transparent electrode from botanical derivative camphor

Here, we report synthesis of large area graphene sheets by control pyrolysis of solid botanical derivative camphor (C₁₀H₁₆O) and fabrication of transparent electrodes. Raman study shows highly ordered graphene sheet with minimum defects. Second order Raman spectrum shows that graphene layers are more than single layer and can be controlled with amount of camphor pyrolyzed. Transmission electron microscopic images show presence of 4 layers for thinner and 13 layers for thicker graphene sheets. Transferred graphene sheets on glass substrates show very good transparency in wide range of wavelength (0.3-2 μm). Electrical measurements of the graphene sheets show thickness dependent sheet resistance. A sheet resistance of 203 Ω/sq is obtained at a transmittance of 63.5% of the graphene sheet. The technique to fabricate few layer of graphene as transparent electrode from camphor is both viable and scalable for potential large area optoelectronic applications.     

Transparent and high gas barrier films based on poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide composites

Composites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized by a modified Hummers method and a solution-mixing method. GO was fully exfoliated in the PVA/GO composites. GO did not affect the crystallization of PVA during solvent evaporation. GO is itself an excellent gas barrier without any chemical reduction. The oxygen permeability of the PVA/GO (0.3 wt.%) composite coated film was 17 times lower than that of the pure poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film, with 92% light transmittance at 550 nm. Composites of PVA and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were synthesized by performing chemical reduction using hydrazine monohydrate. The oxygen permeability of the PVA/RGO (0.3 wt.%) composite coated film was 86 times lower than that of the pure PET film, with 73% light transmittance at 550 nm. The reduction of oxygen permeability was mainly attributed to the reduced oxygen solubility in the PVA/GO composite film, while it was attributed to both the reduced oxygen diffusivity and solubility in the PVA/RGO composite film.     

Pressure-sensitive properties of emulsion modified graphene nanoplatelets/cement composites

Graphene nanoplatelets(GNP)/cement composites were prepared using three types of GNP with different structures. In order to investigate the effects of GNP and styrene-acrylate emulsion on properties of GNP/cement composites, GNP with different addition (0-2.0 wt%) and styrene-acrylate emulsion (10 wt%) were mixed into cement through the method of mechanical stirring. Electrical performance and the pressure-sensitive property of GNP/cement composites were studied. The results showed that the addition of GNP to cement would lead to a significant drop of resistivity and make composites manifest pressure sensitivity. In addition, the structure (C/O atomic ratio) of GNP greatly affected the properties of the GNP/cement composites. A distinct enhancement in pressure sensitivity was found when emulsion was added to GNP/cement composites. The gauge factor of emulsion modified GNP/cement composites reached a peak value of 7.783, which was 1 order of magnitude higher than composites without emulsion. This work offered a new opportunity to make use of traditional cement materials combining with GNP.     

Study on thermal properties of graphene foam/graphene sheets filled polymer composites

The polymer composites composed of graphene foam (GF), graphene sheets (GSs) and pliable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were fabricated and their thermal properties were investigated. Due to the unique interconnected structure of GF, the thermal conductivity of GF/PDMS composite reaches 0.56 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, which is about 300% that of pure PDMS, and 20% higher than that of GS/PDMS composite with the same graphene loading of 0.7 wt%. Its coefficient of thermal expansion is (80–137) × 10⁻⁶/K within 25–150 °C, much lower than those of GS/PDMS composite and pure PDMS. In addition, it also shows superior thermal and dimensional stability. All above results demonstrate that the GF/PDMS composite is a good candidate for thermal interface materials, which could be applied in the thermal management of electronic devices, etc.     

Vibration analysis of a rotating flexible shaft–disk system

Free vibrations of a spinning disk–shaft system are analysed using the finite-element method. The spinning disk is described by the Kirchhoff plate theory. The shaft is modelled by a rotating beam. Using Lagrange’s principle and including the rigid-body translation and tilting motion, equations of motion of the spinning flexible disk and shaft are derived consistently to satisfying the geometric compatibility conditions on the internal boundaries among the substructures. The finite-element method is then used to discretize the derived governing equations. The method is applied to the shaft–disk spinning system. The sensitivity to the running speed as well as the effect of both disk flexibility and boundary condition on the natural frequencies of the spinning system are numerically investigated.     

A micromechanics approach for damage modeling of polymer matrix composites

A new model for damage evolution in polymer matrix composites is presented. The model is based on a combination of two constituent-level models and an interphase model. This approach reduces the number of empirical parameters since the two constituent-level models are formulated for isotropic materials, namely fiber and matrix. Decomposition of the state variables down to the micro-scale is accomplished by micromechanics. Phenomenological damage evolution models are then postulated for each constituent. Determination of material parameters is made from available experimental data. The required experimental data can be obtained with standard tests. Comparison between model predictions and additional experimental data is presented.     

A cholesterol biosensor based on gold nanoparticles decorated functionalized graphene nanoplatelets

The fabrication of a cholesterol biosensor using gold nanoparticles decorated graphene nanoplatelets has been reported. Thermally exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets act as a suitable support for the deposition of Au nanoparticles. Cholesterol biosensor electrodes have been constructed with nafion solubilized functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (f-G) as well as Au nanoparticles decorated f-G, immobilized over glassy carbon electrode. f-G and Au/f-G thin film deposited glassy carbon electrodes were further functionalized with cholesterol oxidase by physical adsorption. Au nanoparticles dispersed over f-G demonstrate the ability to substantially raise the response current. The fabricated electrodes have been tested for their electrochemical performance at a potential of 0.2 V. The fabricated Au/f-G based cholesterol biosensor exhibits sensitivity of 314 nA/μM cm² for the detection of cholesterol with a linear response up to 135 μM. Furthermore, it has been observed that the biosensor exhibits a good anti-interference ability and favorable stability over a month's period.     

氧化石墨烯及其氧化铁复合物的原位合成

开发了在富氧Fe(acac),络合物体系中膨化氧化石墨制取氧化石墨烯/Fe2O3复合物的一步法.应用FT-IR、XRD、VSM、AFM及低温直流电导测量法对所制氧化石墨/Fe2O3复合物进行表征.FT-IR研究结果显示:膨化后,氧化石墨的环氧基团分解,同时形成了氧化铁粒子与氧化石墨烯复合物.AFM测试表明:在较高Fe2O3含量下,氧化石墨烯片层结构剥蚀形成厚达5 mm氧化石墨烯叠层.VSM研究显示:在室温和0.13 emu/g～5.5 emu/g范围内,全部复合物呈铁磁特性.这些复合物的导电性受控于准电子跃迁机制.     

Tribological properties of copper matrix composites reinforced with homogeneously dispersed graphene nanosheets

Graphene reinforced copper matrix composites (Gr/Cu) were fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly and powder metallurgy. The morphology and structure of graphene oxide, graphene oxide-Cu powders and Gr/Cu composites were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The effects of graphene contents, applied loads and sliding speeds on the tribological behavior of the composites were investigated. The results indicate that the coefficient of friction of the composites decreases first and then increases with increasing the graphene content. The lowest friction coefficient is achieved in 0.3?wt% Gr/Cu composite, which decreases by 65% compared to that of pure copper. The coefficient of friction of the composite does not have significant change with increasing the applied load, however, it increases with increasing the sliding speed. The tribological mechanisms of the composite under different conditions were also investigated.     

Solvent exfoliated graphene for reinforcement of PMMA composites prepared by in situ polymerization

Graphene (GP)-based polymer nanocomposites have attracted considerable scientific attention due to its pronounced improvement in mechanical, thermal and electrical properties compared with pure polymers. However, the preparation of well-dispersed and high-quality GP reinforced polymer composites remains a challenge. In this paper, a simple and facile approach for preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) functionalized GP (GPMMA) via in situ free radical polymerization is reported. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Raman, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are used to confirm the successful grafting of PMMA chains onto the GP sheets. Composite films are prepared by incorporating different amounts of GPMMA into the PMMA matrix through solution-casting method. Compared with pure PMMA, PMMA/GPMMA composites show simultaneously improved Young's modulus, tensile stress, elongation at break and thermal stability by addition of only 0.5 wt% GPMMA. The excellent reinforcement is attributed to good dispersion of high-quality GPMMA and strong interfacial adhesion between GPMMA and PMMA matrix as evidenced by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the fracture surfaces. Consequently, this simple protocol has great potential in the preparation of various high-performance polymer composites.     

Selective laser melting of graphene reinforced titanium matrix composites: Powder preparation and its formability

Graphene is an attractive reinforcement in enhancing performances of titanium matrix composites (TMCs). However, the fabrication of graphene reinforced TMCs components is challenging to conventional manufacturing technologies. Selective laser melting (SLM) shows great potential in fabrication of TMCs components. In this study, SLM was employed to fabricate graphene reinforced TMCs, and the effects of ball milling time on properties of composite powder and resultant SLM formability were investigated. The morphologies, chemical composition, flowability and phase constitute of composite powder were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Hall flowmeter and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The structure of graphene in composite powder was assessed by Raman spectroscopy. The formability of SLM scanning-track using different composite powder was also studied. The results showed that the composite powder, milled for 5 h, possessed good sphericity, good flowability and well-dispersion of graphene. Finally, the SLM-processed graphene reinforced TMCs, using the optimized composite powder, exhibited higher microhardness of 432.03 HV_0.2, higher tensile strength of 1276 MPa and lower coefficient of friction of 0.3453 than that of the SLM-processed TC4, revealing the great improvement in mechanical performance of the SLM-processed TMCs by adding graphene.     

Synthesis of manganese dioxide/reduced graphene oxide composites with excellent electrocatalytic activity toward reduction of oxygen

MnO₂/reduced graphene oxide(RGO) composites were synthesized by a facile and effective polymer-assisted chemical reduction method. The synthetic MnO₂/RGO composites have a uniform surface distribution and large coverage of MnO₂ nanoparticles onto graphene, which were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and cyclic voltammetry. The synthetic MnO₂/RGO composites were studied with respect to its electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of oxygen in alkaline media and were found to possess a good electrocatalytic activity toward the four-electron reduction of oxygen.     

Bombyx mori silk fibre and its composite: A review of contemporary developments

Application of natural fibres in composite plastics is gaining popularity in many industries and particularly the automotive industry. Using natural fibres in polymers provides many advantages over other techniques, and the application areas appear limitless. There is currently a shift of paradigm in the automotive industry towards a “green” outlook, due to consumers’ demand for more environmentally friendly vehicles. Natural fibres are biodegradable and are renewable natural source. These two characteristics are most important for disposal of components at end-life. They are recyclable and can be easily converted into thermal energy through combustion, without leaving residue. Among the natural fibres with proven potential application as reinforcement for polymers, Bombyx mori woven silk fibre is one that recently received special attention from researchers. B. mori silk fibre is one of the best fibres discovered in nature, providing high mechanical properties over frequently used natural fibres like sisal, jute, hemp and coir. This review presents a summary of B. mori woven silk fibre and its composite.     

Recent progress in the development and properties of novel metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets

One-dimensional carbon nanotubes and two-dimensional graphene nanosheets with unique electrical, mechanical and thermal properties are attractive reinforcements for fabricating light weight, high strength and high performance metal-matrix composites. Rapid advances of nanotechnology in recent years enable the development of advanced metal matrix nanocomposites for structural engineering and functional device applications. This review focuses on the recent development in the synthesis, property characterization and application of aluminum, magnesium, and transition metal-based composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets. These include processing strategies of carbonaceous nanomaterials and their composites, mechanical and tribological responses, corrosion, electrical and thermal properties as well as hydrogen storage and electrocatalytic behaviors. The effects of nanomaterial dispersion in the metal matrix and the formation of interfacial precipitates on these properties are also addressed. Particular attention is paid to the fundamentals and the structure–property relationships of such novel nanocomposites.