Multifunctional Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposite Sensors Formed by One-Step In Situ Shear Exfoliation of Graphite
Graphene nanocomposites are a promising class of advanced materials for sensing applications; yet, their commercialization is hindered due to impurity incorporation during fabrication and high costs. The aim of this work is to prepare graphene–polysulfone (G−PSU) and graphene–polyvinylidene fluoride...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2023-07-01
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| Series: | Journal of Composites Science |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2504-477X/7/8/309 |
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| author | Ali Ashraf Elizabeth Chang Md Ashiqur Rahman Dipannita Ghosh Nazmul Islam Jennifer K. Lynch-Branzoi |
| author_facet | Ali Ashraf Elizabeth Chang Md Ashiqur Rahman Dipannita Ghosh Nazmul Islam Jennifer K. Lynch-Branzoi |
| author_sort | Ali Ashraf |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Graphene nanocomposites are a promising class of advanced materials for sensing applications; yet, their commercialization is hindered due to impurity incorporation during fabrication and high costs. The aim of this work is to prepare graphene–polysulfone (G−PSU) and graphene–polyvinylidene fluoride (G−PVDF) nanocomposites that perform as multifunctional sensors and are formed using a one-step, in situ exfoliation process whereby graphite is exfoliated into graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) directly within the polymer. This low-cost method creates a nanocomposite while avoiding impurity exposure since the raw materials used in the in situ shear exfoliation process are graphite and polymers. The morphology, structure, thermal properties, and flexural properties were determined for G−PSU and G−PVDF nanocomposites, as well as the electromechanical sensor capability during cyclic flexural loading, temperature sensor testing while heating and cooling, and electrochemical sensor capability to detect dopamine while sensing data wirelessly. G−PSU and G−PVDF nanocomposites show superior mechanical characteristics (gauge factor around 27 and significantly enhanced modulus), thermal characteristics (stability up to 500 °C and 170 °C for G−PSU and G−PVDF, respectively), electrical characteristics (0.1 S/m and 1 S/m conductivity for G−PSU and G−PVDF, respectively), and distinguished resonant peaks for wireless sensing (~212 MHz and ~429 MHz). These uniquely formed G−PMC nanocomposites are promising candidates as strain sensors for structural health monitoring, as temperature sensors for use in automobiles and aerospace applications, and as electrochemical sensors for health care and disease diagnostics. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T23:50:13Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-363e73d9e6104a6c85a3cdde277dae63 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2504-477X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T23:50:13Z |
| publishDate | 2023-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Composites Science |
| spelling | doaj.art-363e73d9e6104a6c85a3cdde277dae632023-11-19T01:42:18ZengMDPI AGJournal of Composites Science2504-477X2023-07-017830910.3390/jcs7080309Multifunctional Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposite Sensors Formed by One-Step In Situ Shear Exfoliation of GraphiteAli Ashraf0Elizabeth Chang1Md Ashiqur Rahman2Dipannita Ghosh3Nazmul Islam4Jennifer K. Lynch-Branzoi5Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USAMechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USADepartment of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USADepartment of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USADepartment of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USAMechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USAGraphene nanocomposites are a promising class of advanced materials for sensing applications; yet, their commercialization is hindered due to impurity incorporation during fabrication and high costs. The aim of this work is to prepare graphene–polysulfone (G−PSU) and graphene–polyvinylidene fluoride (G−PVDF) nanocomposites that perform as multifunctional sensors and are formed using a one-step, in situ exfoliation process whereby graphite is exfoliated into graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) directly within the polymer. This low-cost method creates a nanocomposite while avoiding impurity exposure since the raw materials used in the in situ shear exfoliation process are graphite and polymers. The morphology, structure, thermal properties, and flexural properties were determined for G−PSU and G−PVDF nanocomposites, as well as the electromechanical sensor capability during cyclic flexural loading, temperature sensor testing while heating and cooling, and electrochemical sensor capability to detect dopamine while sensing data wirelessly. G−PSU and G−PVDF nanocomposites show superior mechanical characteristics (gauge factor around 27 and significantly enhanced modulus), thermal characteristics (stability up to 500 °C and 170 °C for G−PSU and G−PVDF, respectively), electrical characteristics (0.1 S/m and 1 S/m conductivity for G−PSU and G−PVDF, respectively), and distinguished resonant peaks for wireless sensing (~212 MHz and ~429 MHz). These uniquely formed G−PMC nanocomposites are promising candidates as strain sensors for structural health monitoring, as temperature sensors for use in automobiles and aerospace applications, and as electrochemical sensors for health care and disease diagnostics.https://www.mdpi.com/2504-477X/7/8/309graphenepolymernanocompositesensing |
| spellingShingle | Ali Ashraf Elizabeth Chang Md Ashiqur Rahman Dipannita Ghosh Nazmul Islam Jennifer K. Lynch-Branzoi Multifunctional Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposite Sensors Formed by One-Step In Situ Shear Exfoliation of Graphite Journal of Composites Science graphene polymer nanocomposite sensing |
| title | Multifunctional Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposite Sensors Formed by One-Step In Situ Shear Exfoliation of Graphite |
| title_full | Multifunctional Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposite Sensors Formed by One-Step In Situ Shear Exfoliation of Graphite |
| title_fullStr | Multifunctional Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposite Sensors Formed by One-Step In Situ Shear Exfoliation of Graphite |
| title_full_unstemmed | Multifunctional Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposite Sensors Formed by One-Step In Situ Shear Exfoliation of Graphite |
| title_short | Multifunctional Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposite Sensors Formed by One-Step In Situ Shear Exfoliation of Graphite |
| title_sort | multifunctional graphene polymer nanocomposite sensors formed by one step in situ shear exfoliation of graphite |
| topic | graphene polymer nanocomposite sensing |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2504-477X/7/8/309 |
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