Abstract
Multilayered graphene nanoplatelets (MLGs) were prepared from thermally expanded graphite flakes using an electrochemical technique. Morphological characterization of MLGs was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. DGEBA-epoxy-based nanocomposites filled with synthesized MLGs were studied using Static Mechanical Loading (SML), Thermal Desorption Mass Spectroscopy (TDMS), Broad-Band Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS), and Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS). The mass loading of the MLGs in the nanocomposites was varied between 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1% in the case of the SML study and 0.0, 1.0, 2, and 5% for the other measurements. Enhancements in the compression strength and the Young’s modulus were obtained at extremely low loadings ( 0.01%). An essential increase in thermal stability and a decrease in destruction activation energy were observed at 5%. Both the dielectric permittivity () and the dielectric loss factor () increased with increasing over the entire frequency region tested (4 Hz–8 MHz). Increased is correlated with decreased free volume when increasing . Physical mechanisms of MLG–epoxy interactions underlying the effects observed are discussed.
Highlights
Since the discovery of graphene, significant progress has been achieved in the synthesis, research, and practical application of nanographene structures
Some parameters of polymer composites filled with highly purified thermally expanded graphite can exceed those of graphene-based composites [17]; this circumstance does not restrict the scope of applications for multilayered graphene nanoparticles (MLGs)-filled polymer composites
At C ≤ 5%, the MLG loading leads to an essential increase in thermal stability and a decrease in destruction activation energy
Summary
Since the discovery of graphene, significant progress has been achieved in the synthesis, research, and practical application of nanographene structures. Graphene, which possesses unique properties required for commercial applications, such as high heat conductivity and electron conductivity, mechanical strength, chemical stability, and optical transparency, may be the most promising material for advanced nanoelectronics and optoelectronics [1,2,3,4]. The basic properties of 2D graphene, multilayered graphene, and 3D graphene-based composites are essentially different; studying the physical and chemical properties of graphenic materials creates a firm basis of scientific knowledge for achieving controlled changes in the wide spectrum of parameters of nanostructured carbonic materials. Along with graphene-based composites filled with single- or double-layer particles, the functional properties of materials with multilayered graphene nanoparticles (MLGs) and their prospective applications have been studied intensively. Some parameters of polymer composites filled with highly purified thermally expanded graphite can exceed those of graphene-based composites [17]; this circumstance does not restrict the scope of applications for MLG-filled polymer composites
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