Use of micron-sized exfoliated graphite as reinforcing filler to enhance the mechanical, thermal and electrostatic dissipative capacity properties of polypropylene composites

本研究将重点研究含有微米级分层石墨颗粒的热塑性复合材料，分层石墨具有较高的力学性能和导电性能。为了充分赋予石墨/热塑性复合材料这些性能，聚合物必须与石墨很好地结合在一起。石墨具有相对惰性的表面，因此常规的表面处理不起作用。需要寻求新的治疗方法。这项研究将寻求对剥落的微细石墨颗粒进行合适的表面处理，并进一步研究它们在聚合物复合材料中作为增强剂的潜力。这些产品的主要目标领域是热塑性复合材料，可用于在轻型汽车和航空航天部件中提供高强度、高导电性和导热性。提供支持的组织是Eagle Graphite Corporation(EGC)，这是一家加拿大公司，拥有北美仅有的两个正在运营的天然石墨矿山和选矿厂之一。EGC参与了将其高纯度石墨转化为附加值产品的举措，同时确保在其运营中使用环境友好和可持续的工艺。该项目产生的知识有可能为加拿大各工业部门提供新的增值产品，大幅降低成本，包括汽车、制造业和替代能源部门。

This research will focus on thermoplastic composites containing micron-sized delaminated graphite particles.Delaminated graphite has high mechanical and conductive properties. In order to impart these properties fullyto a graphite/ thermoplastic composite, it is necessary that the polymer bonds well to the graphite. Graphite hasa relatively inert surface so that conventional surface treatments do not work. New types of treatment need tobe sought. This research will seek to develop suitable surface treatments for the finely exfoliatedmicro-graphite particles, and to further investigate their potential as reinforcements in polymeric composites.The main target area for these products is thermoplastic composites which can be used to impart high strength,electrical and thermal conductivity in light-weight automotive and aerospace components. The supportingorganization is Eagle Graphite Corporation (EGC), a Canadian company that owns one of only two operatingnatural graphite mines and beneficiation plants in North America. EGC has engaged in initiatives to convert itshighly purified graphite into value-added products, while ensuring the use of environmentally friendly andsustainable processes in their operations. The knowledge generated by this project has the potential to providenew value-added products at a substantially reduced cost to various Canadian industrial sectors, including theautomotive, manufacturing and alternative energy sector.