Graphene reinforced thermoplastic composite production for automotive applications

Graphene has started receiving attention as modifier/reinforcement in polymers and polymeric composites due to being one of the strongest materials ever measured with a theoretical Young’s modulus of 1060 GPa and an ultimate strength of 130 GPa. In addition, high specific surface area of graphene sheets results in stronger interfacial interactions and better load transfer between polymeric matrix and reinforcement particles, which make them suitable candidate for nanocomposite fabrication. Nanocomposites reinforced by graphene based materials even at very low loadings have shown great influence on mechanical performance, thermal, electrical conductivity and flame retardancy in comparison of unmodified polymers. Instead of graphene’s superior properties, it is important to achieve pilot production of graphene and provide its transition from lab to industrial scale production. It is also possible to preserve the characteristic properties of thermoplastic polymers and tune final properties of their composites by choosing proper reinforcing agent and controlling surface chemistry of graphene sheets, the dispersion of graphene sheets into the matrix, interfacial interactions, and the compatibility of reinforcement with the chosen matrix. In the present project, graphene like materials will be used for manufacturing thermoplastic composites by applying melt mixing techniques. Herein, graphene will be used as a reinforcing agent in thermoplastic compounds to produce light weight and cost effective automotive plastic interior and exterior trims in order to meet the requirements in automotive sector such as weight reduction and CO2 emission reduction.