Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Nano-composite films and methods for their fabrication. The nano-composite films include a polymer matrix (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like) and a filler capable of exfoliation such as graphene or hexagonal boron nitride (e.g., TrGO). The filler provides reinforcement, increasing tensile strength, Young's modulus, or both for the resulting nano-composite film, as compared to what it would be without the filler. The nano-composite film may have a specific tensile strength that is greater than 1 GPa/g/cm³, a specific Young's modulus that is greater than 100 GPa/g/cm³, or both. Tensile strength and modulus values of up to 3.7 GPa/g/cm³ and 125 GPa/g/cm³, respectively, have been demonstrated. The film may be formed by combining powdered filler and polymer matrix powder in a solvent (e.g., decalin), high-shear extruding the resulting solution to disentangle the polymer chains and exfoliate the filler, freezing the solution to form a solid film, and then drawing the film.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim