Fabrication of Graphene Reinforced Lightweight Automotive Composites

Lightweight vehicle design is a principal keystone to improving fuel efficiency and vehicle performance whilst reducing adverse environmental impacts. At this point, graphene – a solution with a high potential to further reduce vehicle weight and improve mechanical and thermal properties. With a unique combination of mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, graphene shows great potential for exploitation in the automotive industry. In this project, graphene will be synthesized from recycled sources and comprehensive characterization will be carried to investigate the virgin and recycled graphenes. After the investigation of their characteristic properties by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, compounding process was performed by thermokinetic mixer for the development of recipe for manufacturing graphene based polypropylene and polyamidecompound. For polymer matrix, bio-based resources will be preferred to provide circularity enhancement. This project provides lightweightening and cost-effective reliable solutions and increasing bio-based degree of composites by minimizing environmental impact. In addition, this project will ensure the maintenance, reuse, reconditioning and recycling of products and materials. Consequently, this work will favour the integration of new knowledge and will ensure significant innovation potential in the field of new thermoplastic based composites for the automotive industry.