Graphene Composites - Enhancing Polymer Performance

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A graphene lattice

Graphene Composites: The Fundamentals

Graphene is a 2D material made of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice which creates unique and powerful properties capable of transforming and disrupting global industries. When graphene is added to a base material, it imparts desirable properties including strength, flexibility, resilience, elongation, thermal and electrical conductivity as needed.

 

Here is a summary of graphene’s main attributes applicable to composites:

Structure

One atom's worth of graphene is all that separates it from being a flat sheet. Strong covalent connections between the carbon atoms in the sheet form a lattice that resembles a honeycomb.

Mechanical Strength

Graphene is exceptionally strong mechanically. It is one of the strongest materials yet discovered, with a tensile strength 200x stronger than steel. Additionally, due to its great degree of flexibility, it may be stretched without cracking.

Electrical Conductivity

Graphene is a super electrical conductor. It has a high electron mobility, which reduces the resistance faced by electrons as they flow through the structure. It is suitable to be used in electronics components.

Heat Conductivity

The heat conductivity of graphene is very good. Graphene is advantageous for applications in thermal management, such as heat sinks or thermal interface materials.

Flexibility

Due to its adaptability and 2D structure, graphene may be incorporated into a variety of polymer matrices, targeting improved flexibility in the production process.

Improved Barrier Properties

Graphene reinforcement can improve the polymer's ability to act as a gas and liquid barrier.

Graphene and Composites in production

Applications for Graphene Composites

Automotive and Aerospace Industry
Construction and Infrastructure
Biomedical and Healthcare Applications
Electronics and Energy Storage
Sparc Graphene Composite Team

Sparc's Expertise with Graphene Composites

Sparc has developed expertise and know how in the ability to add graphene to polymers typically employed in the composites industry. Sparc has joined Swinburne University in a collaborative research program aimed at delivering smart composites, i.e., enhanced polymeric systems with electrical properties that allow for remote performance monitoring in real time.

Memberships

Australian Graphene Industry Association logo

The Graphene Council logo

The Australian Hydrogen Council logo

Business SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry South Australia logo

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