Graphene-Based Polymer Nanocomposites and Their Properties
Summary
Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites comprise a polymer matrix reinforced with graphene or its derivatives, exploiting the exceptional mechanical strength, electrical conductivity and thermal stability of two-dimensional carbon sheets. By incorporating nanoscale graphene fillers at low loadings, it is possible to markedly enhance stiffness, tensile strength and fracture toughness while also reducing gas permeability and improving flame retardancy. Key factors governing performance include the quality of filler dispersion, the nature of interfacial adhesion between filler and matrix, and the percolation threshold at which an electrically or thermally conductive network emerges. Common fabrication methods range from solution mixing and in situ polymerisation to melt processing via extrusion or injection moulding. Applications span flexible electronics and sensors, lightweight structural components for aerospace and automotive sectors, energy storage devices such as supercapacitors and batteries, and advanced coatings offering corrosion resistance or electromagnetic interference shielding. The global significance of these materials lies in their potential to replace heavier or less efficient conventional composites, thereby contributing to sustainable manufacturing and next-generation technologies.
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Graphene-Based Polymer Nanocomposites and Their Properties publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in graphene-based polymer nanocomposites and their properties across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Graphene: A single layer of sp2-bonded carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, noted for its high strength, conductivity and surface area.
Polymer matrix: The continuous phase of a composite in which nanofillers are embedded, providing bulk form and processability.
Nanofiller: A nanoscale reinforcing material, such as graphene, added to a polymer to enhance mechanical, thermal or electrical properties.
Graphene oxide (GO): An oxidised form of graphene bearing oxygenated functional groups, enabling facile dispersion in polar solvents and polymer matrices.
Reduced graphene oxide (rGO): Graphene oxide that has been chemically or thermally treated to remove oxygen functionalities, partially restoring graphitic structure and conductivity.
Viscoelasticity: Material behaviour exhibiting both viscous flow and elastic deformation under applied stress.
Percolation threshold: The critical filler concentration at which a continuous network forms, imparting macroscopic electrical or thermal conductivity to the composite.
Interfacial adhesion: The bonding strength at the boundary between polymer and filler, crucial for effective load transfer and composite integrity.
References
- Impact of graphene oxide arrangement on the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of polymer nanocomposites. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences (2025).
- Recent Advances in Fabrication and Characterization of Graphene-Polymer Nanocomposites. Graphene (2012).
- Review on Graphene-, Graphene Oxide-, Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Flexible Composites: From Fabrication to Applications. Materials (2022).
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