Strengthening Polymers with Gas-Phase-Synthesized Graphene

Unique structure-property relationships in polymers containing gas-phase-synthesized graphene (GSG) will be the focus of this presentation. Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms with remarkable mechanical properties that can be harnessed to strengthen polymers. GSG is a pure and highly ordered form of graphene that is produced through a substrate-free bottom-up process. Graphene-filled polymer nanocomposites (GNCs) continue to generate extraordinary interest in the scientific community. However, our knowledge of GNCs is largely based on polymers containing graphene obtained through the top-down exfoliation of graphite. In our current understanding, the effective support of polymers by graphene requires flat sheets with micron-scale lateral dimensions, high aspect ratios, and functionalized surfaces. In contrast, GSG is highly crumpled and has nanometer-scale lateral dimensions, low aspect ratios, and non-functionalized surfaces. Incorporating GSG into thermosets and thermoplastics surprisingly results in GNCs that exhibit mechanical properties that exceed those of polymers containing flat high-aspect-ratio graphene. The results indicate novel strengthening mechanisms in GSG-filled polymers that could be due to key features that are inherent to GSG. This presentation will advance our understanding of structure-property relationships in filled polymer materials containing graphene, as well as demonstrate a potential avenue towards the sustainable manufacturing of GNCs.