Fabrication of Graphene-Based Composites via High-Pressure Homogenisation and Their Characterisation

Graphene, whose properties do not require introduction anymore, is a promising composite filler for polymeric matrices due to its mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and unique morphology.This PhD thesis explores the potential of high-pressure homogenisation (HPH) as an efficient and versatile method for fabricating graphene and graphene-based composites. Two polymers with vastly different properties, polyamide 12 (PA12) and polyetherimide (PEI), are used to create polymer graphene masterbatches with graphene contents up to 50 wt%, subsequently mixed into raw polymer at graphene contents ranging from 0.1 to 10 wt%. The work demonstrates that the incorporation of graphene at 10 wt% into PA12 leads to a 60% increase in Young’s modulus and an electrical conductivity of 1.09 x 10^-2 S/m. In the case of PEI composites, a notable 6% enhancement in Young’s modulus is achieved, while reaching an electrical conductivity of 2.58 S/m. Additionally, an optimised graphene fabrication process is developed using HPH, effectively translating theoretical principles into practical applications. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the potential of utilising graphene as a coating on mi crofibres for spinal cord injury repair. The integration of graphene onto the fibres results in a 27% increase in Young’s modulus and a 243% improvement in electrical conductivity. Overall, this work showcases the efficiency and versatility of HPH as a powerful tool for fabricating graphene-based composites and highlights the potential to enhance the mechanical and electrical properties of polymers. These results not only offer novel insights into composite material engineering but also open up new opportunities for innovative applications in various industries.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Cambridge

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Beunat, Juliette

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Ferrari, Andrea
• Joyce, Hannah

• AFM
• composites
• composites manufacturing
• graphene
• graphene composites
• graphene production
• high-pressure homogenisation
• PA12-graphene composites
• PEI-graphene composites
• Raman

Licence

• https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/922f54b8-6343-4e2f-a7ac-12189a8f33b1/download
• https://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved/

Language dc:language

eng

DOI dc:identifier.doi

https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.109130

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.repository.cam.ac.uk:1810/369247