Abstract
This chapter outlines important aspects and progression from graphene to polymer/graphene nanocomposite to a relevant defense application. Graphene is unique nanocarbon material having a large surface area, high Young's modulus, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and optical transmittance. Engineering thermoplastic polymers have been employed as matrices for graphene reinforcement. Various routes have been employed for graphene-filled polymeric nanomaterials. Intrinsic physical properties of nanocomposite depend on graphene modification and dispersion techniques. Polymer/graphene nanocomposite may have multifunctional characteristics due to synergistic effect of polymer/graphene. The article mainly discusses nanocomposite with potential uses in soldierly applications including flame resistance, ballistic protection, electromagnetic interference shielding, electrostatic-charge dissipation, sensors, corrosion protection, fuel cell, batteries, etc. The gestalt of defense applications of polymer/graphene nanocomposite may offer future perspective to develop promising materials.
TopBackground
Graphene: A Unique Nanocarbon
Graphene is an important type of nanomaterial with atomic thick hexagonally designed sheets of sp2 hybridized carbon atoms (Mukhopadhyay & Gupta, 2012). It is a one-dimensional nanofiller having large surface area of 2630 m2g-1 (Fig. 1). Its structure has been studied through several theoretical and experimental techniques. Graphene also possesses remarkably high Young’s modulus, strength, and thermal conductivity. Graphene has been exploited as an imperative material for solar cell, sensor, and other energy applications (Georgakilas et al., 2012). One of the significant applications of graphene is nanocomposite (Verdejo, Bernal, Romasanta, & Lopez-Manchado, 2011). Polymer nanocomposite may have excellent electrical, mechanical, and structural properties owing to graphene nanofiller. In this regard, various approaches have been developed for graphene synthesis and its incorporation in polymer matrices (Kim, Abdala, & Macosko, 2010). Graphene has been declared as a preferred nanofiller for polymers compared with other nanocarbon materials.
Figure 1. Nanocarbon structure with different dimensionality
Key Terms in this Chapter
Corrosion: Process of corroding/damaging a metal, stone, or other materials.
Nanocomposite: It is composite material having particle with nanometer size.
Graphene: It is a nano allotrope of carbon with hexagonally arranged carbon atoms.
Sensor: Device used to detect desired changes according to its type.
Electromagnetic Interference Shielding: It is the practice of reducing electromagnetic field in space using certain barriers.
Electrostatic Charge Dissipation: Flow of electrons between two electrically charged objects in contact.
Flame Retardancy: Ability of materials to resist flame/fire.