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Strain mapping in a graphene monolayer nanocomposite
Robert J Young1, Lei Gong, Ian A Kinloch
1Materials Science Centre, School of Materials, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K. robert.young@manchester.ac.uk
ACS Nano
|March 15, 2011
Summary
Strain mapping of graphene in polymer composites reveals uniform strain up to 0.6%. Above this, cracks form in polymer layers, leading to non-uniform strain and reduced graphene-polymer adhesion, impacting nanocomposite applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Graphene's unique properties make it promising for advanced nanocomposites.
- Understanding strain distribution in graphene-polymer interfaces is crucial for material design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate strain distribution in a graphene-polymer composite model.
- To analyze the impact of applied strain on graphene's mechanical behavior and interface integrity.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of composite specimens: graphene monolayer between polymer layers on a poly(methyl methacrylate) beam.
- Raman spectroscopy to obtain spectra from the graphene layer.
- Analysis of stress-induced Raman band shifts to map strain distribution.
Main Results:
- High-precision strain mapping of the graphene monolayer was achieved using Raman spectroscopy.
- Strain distribution was uniform up to 0.6% applied strain, becoming non-uniform thereafter.
- Cracking in polymer layers led to fragmentation, triangular strain distributions, and a significant decrease in interfacial shear stress (0.25 MPa).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a fragmentation process in polymer coating layers affecting strain distribution and graphene-polymer adhesion.
- Poor interfacial adhesion identified has significant implications for graphene-based nanocomposite performance.
- Potential strategies for strengthening the graphene-polymer interface are discussed.
