Polymers
- In the Polymers Section could you please add this text at the beginning and eliminate the text below the pictures (Nylon Young Modulus: 3.456 GPa, Nylon Hardness: 0.151 GPa….)?
Graphene enhances polymers due to its extraordinary intrinsic properties and atomic-scale structure, which enable significant improvements in mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance.
- High Aspect Ratio: Graphene’s ultra-thin sheets with large surface area improve stress transfer and mechanical reinforcement. This leads to stronger, stiffer composites.
- π–π Interactions: Graphene’s aromatic rings interact with polymers like polystyrene or epoxy through π–π stacking, improving dispersion and adhesion.
- Van der Waals Forces: These stabilize graphene within the polymer matrix, enhancing cohesion and durability.
- Thermal Conductivity (~5000 W/m·K): Graphene forms efficient thermal pathways in polymers, ideal for electronics and heat-sensitive applications. A review in MDPI Polymers discusses how graphene/polymer nanocomposites achieve this.
- Electrical Conductivity: Delocalized electrons in graphene create conductive networks in insulating polymers. This is explored in this Springer study comparing graphene/polymer systems.
- Barrier Effect: Graphene’s 2D structure reduces gas and moisture permeability, improving corrosion and oxidation resistance. A 2025 review in Materials Horizons details how graphene structures impact thermal and barrier properties.
- Tunable Functionalization: Graphene can be chemically modified to bond with various polymers, improving compatibility and dispersion. Techniques are outlined in this Taylor & Francis review.
Allkemie has improved the mechanical strength of Nylon (see pictures below comparing Nylon with and without Graphene in a nano indenter), making it 77% stronger and 137% harder. Kevlar and Nylon are not that different chemically speaking, a next step is to test if Kevlar can be equally improved.
