Synergistic toughening of composite fibres by self-alignment of reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes.

ABSTRACT: The extraordinary properties of graphene and carbon nanotubes motivate the development of methods for their use in producing continuous, strong, tough fibres. Previous work has shown that the toughness of the carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer fibres exceeds that of previously known materials. Here we show that further increased toughness results from combining carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide flakes in solution-spun polymer fibres. The gravimetric toughness approaches 1,000 J g(-1), far exceeding spider dragline silk (165 J g(-1)) and Kevlar (78 J g(-1)). This toughness enhancement is consistent with the observed formation of an interconnected network of partially aligned reduced graphene oxide flakes and carbon nanotubes during solution spinning, which act to deflect cracks an

SUBMITTER: Shin MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3272576 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature