NIRT: Graphene Sheets For Use In Nacre-Mimic Layered And Tabular Composites

摘要该提案是响应纳米尺度科学与工程计划，NSF 05-610，类别NIRT而收到的。本研究的目的是开发和使用功能化石墨烯片（FGS）来设计和加工纳米模拟层状和板状复合材料。生产FGS的方法将是通过石墨的插层和剥落。预计这种材料在设计和加工高强度、高韧性和低密度纳米复合材料（nc）方面的性能将等于或优于碳纳米管（CNTs）。提出的工作旨在了解导致这种膨胀的机制，并生产表面积接近理论极限的剥落石墨。FGS将用于制造聚合物基质纳米碳纳米管，其结构类似于在生物生产的纳米复合材料（如贝壳的珍珠层）中观察到的层状和扁平结构。功能化石墨烯片结合了低成本可用性的巨大优势和只有碳纳米管才能匹敌的特殊性能。石墨（高度分层的石墨烯片）是一种商品化学品，每克成本仅为0.004美元。通过将石墨分解成单独的（石墨烯）薄片，这些分子层的显著特性将在纳米复合材料应用中得到开发，这将导致复合材料的巨大进步，影响广泛的工业。该提案的教育和外展方面包括与外展计划的整合和支持。每年5 000美元（四年共20 000美元）已列入拟议预算，用于直接支助现有的外联活动。外展项目将与现有项目（NSF MRSEC和NASA URETI）在新泽西州首屈一指的科学中心自由科学中心（LSC）进行协调。与LSC的联系将拟议的项目与30个新泽西州雅培学区联系起来，这些学区历来资金不足，成绩不佳，大多数群体在科学、技术、工程和数学（STEM）领域的代表性不足。

NACRE-MIMIC LAYERED AND TABULAR COMPOSITES ABSTRACT This proposal was received in response to Nanoscale Science and Engineering Initiative, NSF 05-610, category NIRT. The objective of this research is to develop and use functionalized graphene sheets (FGS) for the design and processing of nacre-mimic layered and tabular composites. The approach to produce FGS will be through the intercalation and exfoliation of graphite. It is anticipated that such a material will perform equal to or better than carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the design and processing of high-strength, high-toughness, and low-density nanocomposites (NCs). The proposed work aims to understand the mechanisms leading to this expansion and to produce exfoliated graphite with surface areas close to the theoretical limit. FGS will be used to fabricate polymer matrix NCs with structures similar to the layered and tabular structures observed in biologically produced nanocomposites such as the nacre of seashells. Functionalized graphene sheets combine the substantial advantages of availability at low cost with exceptional properties only matched by carbon nanotubes. Graphite (highly layered sheets of graphene) is a commodity chemical costing only ~$0.004/gm. By splitting graphite into its individual (graphene) sheets, the remarkable properties of these molecular layers will be exploited in nanocomposite applications which should result in tremendous advances in composites affecting a wide range of industries. Educational and outreach aspects of this proposal include integration with and support of outreach programs. The sum of $5,000 per year ($20,000 total over four years) has been included in the proposed budget for direct support of existing outreach activities. Outreach programs will be coordinated with existing programs (NSF MRSEC and NASA URETI) at the Liberty Science Center (LSC), New Jersey's premiere science center. The connection with LSC links the proposed program with the 30 New Jersey Abbott school districts, historically underfinanced and low-achieving districts, with majority populations of groups underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).