Multilayered graphene-catalyst fibers for structural applications
Abstract
PROJECT SUMMARYMultilayered graphene-catalyst fibers for structural applications Approved for Public ReleaseThe ultimate strength of nanocarbon composite structures at the macroscopic scale is only a very small fraction (<5%) of the intrinsic strength of the individual nanocarbon constituents, i.e., graphene and carbon nanotubes. The foremost reason for the low mechanical strength is that theload transfer path between strong nanostructures is through the limited interfacial strength between the microscale individual constituents and/or between the constituents and composite matrix. As a result, the intrinsically weak interface due to the short lengthand chemical inertness dominates mechanical failure of the carbon-based composite structures. If a large quantity of sp2 hybridizedcarbon materials can be embedded into a fiber structure without discontinuous weak junctions within individual ultra-strong carbon constituents, such carbon-based composites will offer much improved mechanical properties including elastic modulus, yield strength,and fracture toughness. Imagine macroscopic fibers circumferentially surrounded by many layers of continuous, high-quality tube-shaped graphene sheets (hereafter referred as graphene tubes). Instead of interfaces, the mechanical strength of such fibers in tension will be directly associated with failure of individual graphene tubes, the intrinsic strength of the graphene!In this work, we propose axially continuous multilayered graphene-catalyst fibers. This unique composite structure eliminates weak junctions in the axial direction (i.e., the typical mechanical loading direction of structural fibers) of individual graphene tubes. Carbon, alumina, andmetal fibers will be used and tested as a core fiber for additional enhancement of mechanical, high temperature, and electrical performance of the proposed fibers by utilizing the advantageous properties of each core material. In addition to structural applications, the proposed multilayered graphene-catalyst fiber is expected to offer significant improvement in the maximum current density, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability due to the incorporation of graphene tubes with excellent electrical and thermal properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112396
Entities
People
- Wonmo Kang
Organizations
- Arizona State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy