MECHANICALLY-EXFOLIATED GRAPHENE FOR COMPOSITES APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Exfoliation and mechanical exfoliation in particular, has been recognised as quick, inexpensive means to obtain graphene, and is believed to have the greatest potential for scalable large-quantity production. Despite so, few works were publicised demonstrating the direct application of mechanically-exfoliated graphene and its derivatives for use as composite components. This work sought to produce graphene and its derivatives via mechanical ball milling, for enhancing mechanical properties across different materials, and for chemical doping to endow functions such as boron adsorption and electrocatalytic capabilities. The extent of property enhancements were compared for pre-exfoliated graphene and in situ exfoliated graphene to compare the performance. It was observed that using pre-exfoliated and in situ exfoliated graphene has comparable performance for applications as mechanical strength enhancers, boron adsorbents, or electrocatalysts. Given the facile method of producing the materials starting from graphite powders, the potential of graphene technology adoption by industries could be heightened.