Graphene in Composite Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications

Graphene for polymer, metal and ceramic matrix composites; New mechanical, thermal and electrical data for graphene in engineered materials; Applications in films, coatings and liquid suspensions

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Original monograph discusses graphene within the carbon chemistry alternatives available to materials engineers and explains how it is incorporated into polymer-matrix, as well as ceramic- and metal-matrix composite materials. The book shows how different forms of graphene can be synthesized and then added to polymer composites as main or hybrid nanofillers, with a focus on how graphene affects electrical and mechanical properties. Offers the theory and data necessary to design novel graphene-based composites with unique load-bearing, flammability and wear properties. Throughout, the book lists many newly discovered mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of graphene. Emerging uses of graphene in films, coatings and colloidal suspensions (i.e., graphene with liquid matrices) are also investigated.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS 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