Multifunctional nanocomposites based on alignment of graphene nanoplatelets

BACKGROUND

Graphene - a single atomic later of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice - has attracted significant interest for its exceptional properties, including ultra-lightweight structure, high modulus and strength, and large surface area to volume ratio. One promising application involves embedding graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as nanofillers in polymer resins to form nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Traditional methods have employed electric fields to align GNPs unidirectionally within resins, improving properties primarily along a single axis. However, these unidirectional approaches limit performance enhancements to one-dimensional control, leaving significant opportunity unrealized. Attempts by many researchers to achieve graphene orientation in two axes to form a planar alignment, thereby enabling three-dimensional tunability of properties, have met with limited success. The lack of robust planar alignment techniques constrains the potential impact of graphene-enhanced nanocomposites across various advanced applications.

SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY

Researchers at Oklahoma State University have developed a novel method to produce multifunctional nanocomposites featuring planar aligned graphene nanoplatelets within an epoxy resin matrix. This innovative approach disperses GNPs into a liquid resin and employs a dynamically rotating electric field during curing, causing the nanoplatelets to align precisely on two perpendicular axes, creating a planar alignment lattice. This planar alignment enables unprecedented control over material properties in all three spatial directions, unlike existing technologies that only permit unidirectional alignment. This controlled anisotropy achieved through this method induces directional modulation of mechanical modulus, fracture toughness, electrical conductivity, and thermal characteristics. These multifunctional composites hold promise for transformative applications, including lightweight polymeric energy-harvesting armor, high-performance battery electrolytes, lightning strike protection materials, and advanced thermal management systems.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION

• Wind Turbine Blane Manufacturing
• Sporting Goods & Recreational Equipment: wearables & protective equipment
• Building Insulation & Construction Materials: thermal insulation panels, damage-tolerant, lightning mitigation
• Marine & Shipbuilding: durable, lighter hulls
• Energy Storage & Batteries: increased electron & heat transport with structural integrity
• Defense & Military Applications: tactical armor with body-energy harvesting, bullet, blade, & lightning strike mitigation
• Power Generation & Transmission: anisotropic conductivity & improved thermal management
• Oil & Gas Industry: enhanced materials for abrasive environments and wide temperature ranges

MAIN ADVANTAGES

• Improved Manufacturing
• Three-Dimensional, Enhanced Control of Anisotropic Material Properties
• Real-Time Alignment Monitoring via AC Conductivity
• Improved Mechanical Strength, Fracture Toughness, and Electrical/Thermal Conductivity

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

• Prototype