Abstract
Modeling and simulation allow methodical variation of material properties beyond the capacity of experimental methods. The polymers are one of the most commonly used matrices of choice for composites and have found applications in numerous fields. The stiff and fragile structure of monolithic polymers leads to the innate cracks to cause fracture and therefore the engineering applications of monolithic polymers, requiring robust damage tolerance and high fracture toughness, are not ubiquitous. In addition, when “many-parts” cling together to form polymers, a labyrinth of molecules results, which does not offer to electrons and phonons a smooth and continuous passageway. Therefore, the monolithic polymers are bad conductors of heat and electricity. However, it is well established that when polymers are embedded with suitable entities especially nano-fillers, such as metallic oxides, clays, carbon nanotubes, and other carbonaceous materials, their performance is propitiously improved. Among various additives, graphene has recently been employed as nano-filler to enhance mechanical, thermal, electrical, and functional properties of polymers. In this review, advances in the modeling and simulation of grapheme based polymer nanocomposites will be discussed in terms of graphene structure, topographical features, interfacial interactions, dispersion state, aspect ratio, weight fraction, and trade-off between variables and overall performance.
Highlights
IntroductionDuring the energy crises in 1970s, the demand for Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) further increased due to their relatively lower cost
With the help of optical and electron microscopy, the dispersed reinforcement and polymer matrix can be observed in qualitative and quantitative manners, respectively. In this binary system integrated at nanoscale, there are myriad of factors that expound the overall performance of produced nanocomposites
Various models have been presented to date regarding Graphene Based Polymer Nanocomposites (GBPNCs) in which various aspects have been covered, it is just the beginning and myriad of factors are still to be incorporated in the modeling and simulation of GBPNCs
Summary
During the energy crises in 1970s, the demand for PMCs further increased due to their relatively lower cost. During this period, the properties of PMCs, the design methodologies, and manufacturing capabilities were further modified. In 2014, 2009 research papers were published on graphene in which about 830 papers were on graphene-epoxy nanocomposites produced using solution casting technique. It shows that epoxy and solution casting technique are still preferred choices as polymer matrix and production method, respectively. Extensive theoretical research has been carried out in the last decade to justify the use of graphene as reinforcement in polymers. This review article discusses various modeling and simulation approaches employed to correlate between graphene structure, topography, weight fraction, dispersion state, interfacial interactions, and overall performance of GBPNCs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
