Mechanical Properties of Solvent Cast Graphene-Polymer Nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites were prepared using a solvent cast technique with various polymers were dissolved in solvents and dried into a flat film adding graphene as the nanocomposites. Graphene, a material that is ten times stronger than steel, was used in an attempt to create light yet strong materials for application in airplane and car bodies. Polyethylenimine (PEI) was dissolved using dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and polystyrene (PS) was dissolved using dimethylformamide (DMF). Graphene was exfoliated in DMF and added to each polymer/solvent mix in varying concentrations. The solvent mix was then spread out onto glass to create nanocomposite films. The films were then dried so each had the same solvent content. It was noticed that there was a positive relationship between the graphene concentration and the maximum stress, elongation at break, and the modulus of each material creating a material that is stronger, more flexible, and lighter