JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #147 - September/October 2022 - 14

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BUSlNESS graphene
Effectiveness of graphene
nano-platelets in composites
ADRIAN POTTS,
CEO
Applied Graphene Materials UK Ltd.
Graphene has become a fascinating material since its isolation in 2004. From its
multiple different formats, including single-layer materials to few-layer structures,
the performance attributes of the materials available to the industry can
be outstanding, hence making them a material of interest. One of the challenges
with graphene is how to use it effectively in a range of applications to bring
targeted benefi ts to a host material.
C
omposites by nature are a
combination of materials,
including fi bres oriented in a
range of patt erns and assemblies,
resins and their catalysts, tougheners
and other nano-materials,
which together can yield remarkable
performance.
Th e targeted inclusion of
graphene in nano-platelet form
represents an opportunity to
further boost
some of these
att ributes and enhance the whole
composite material beyond its
current scope.
Graphene plays a determinant role in hydrogen storage vessels production
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jec composites magazine / N°
What do we mean by
nano-platelet form?
In order to be used eff ectively,
graphene materials have to be
in a form whereby they can be
added to the composite material.
Manufacturing methods for
graphene can be wide-ranging,
but the materials of practical interest
are typically 2D structures
of a few carbon layers in thickness
(nanometre dimensions) and micron-sized
in the X and Y planes.
Th ese materials in physical form,
therefore, are plates of carbon
with a very high aspect ratio and
a high specifi c surface area, which
have the potential, when properly
integrated, to impart mechanical
performance advantages, electrical
conductivity, thermal att ributes,
barrier performance and
147 September - October 2022
chemical resistance. How these
materials are added to a composite
and where they sit within the
composite structure will oft en
determine the eff ectiveness of the
material.
Applied
Graphene Materials
(AGM) off ers diff erent types of
graphene nano-platelets (GNPs),
which represent a breadth of
material att ributes, including the
degree of crystallinity, surface
functionality, particle size, layer
count, inherent electrical and
thermal conductivity. Each of
these characteristics can impart
performance gains when used
appropriately in a host material.
Th e key challenge to eff ective use
in the liquid matrix systems oft en
found in composites for industrial,
construction, automotive
and aerospace applications is the
eff ective dispersion of the GNP
material to enable it to be easily
Graphene
Effectiveness of graphene nano-platelets in composites
Carbon fi bre
Sinopec intends to lead by example in China
Glass fi bre
China promotes the use of glass fi bre in construction
BUSlNESS
JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #147 - September/October 2022

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