Rev.Adv.Mater.Sci. (RAMS)
No 1, Vol. 34, 2013, pages 19-25

ENHANCED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMER-MATRIX
NANOCOMPOSITES REINFORCED BY GRAPHENE INCLUSIONS:
A REVIEW

I.A. Ovid'ko

Abstract

This paper presents a short overview of recent research efforts addressing the me- chanical properties of polymer-matrix nanocomposites containing graphene inclusions. A particular attention is devoted to experimental data giving evidence for enhancement of tensile strength, Young modulus and fracture toughness due to the effects of graphene inclusions in such film and bulk nanocomposites. Key factors are discussed which influence the role of graphene nanosheets and flakes in enhancement of the mechanical characteristics of graphene- polymer nanocomposites. Also, conclusions are outlined which are based on research of graphene-polymer nanocomposites with excellent mechanical properties.

This paper is written in honour of Professor Boris Ginzburg on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

full paper (pdf, 110 Kb)