Nano-scaled graphene plate-reinforced composite materials and method of producing same

Abstract

Disclosed are a nano-composite composition and a method of making such a composite that is composed of a matrix material and dispersed reinforcement nano-scaled graphene plates (NGPs) that are substantially aligned along at least one specified direction or axis. The method comprises: (a) providing a mixture of nano-scaled graphene plates (NGPs) and a matrix material in a fluent state; (b) extruding the mixture to form a filament wherein NGPs are aligned along a filament axis; (c) aligning a plurality of segments of the filament in a first direction, or moving the filament back and forth along a first direction and its opposite direction, to form a NGP-matrix filament preform; and (d) consolidating the preform to form the nanocomposite material. Also disclosed is a method of making a nano-composite fiber.

1 . The material of  claim 9  wherein the material is made by a method comprising:
 (a) providing a mixture of nano-scaled graphene plates (NGPs) and a matrix material in a fluent state;   (b) extruding said mixture to form a filament wherein said nano-scaled graphene plates are aligned along a filament axis;   (c) aligning a plurality of segments of said filament in a first direction, or moving said filament back and forth along a first direction and its opposite direction, to form a NGP-matrix filament preform; and   (d) consolidating said preform to form said nanocomposite material.   
     
     
         2 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A composite material comprising a matrix material and 0.5% to 50% by volume of nano-scaled graphene plates, wherein said nano-scaled graphene plates are aligned substantially parallel to each other along at least a first specified direction in said matrix material. 
     
     
         10 . The composite material of  claim 9 , wherein at least 50% of said nano-scaled graphene plates have their plate plane inclined at an angle of 15 degrees or less with respect to said first specified direction. 
     
     
         11 . The composite material of  claim 9 , comprising at least two layers, a first layer containing nano-scaled graphene plates aligned predominantly along the first specified direction and a second layer containing nano-scaled graphene plates aligned predominantly along a second specified direction. 
     
     
         12 . The composite material of  claim 9 , wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of organic, polymeric, metallic, ceramic, glass, carbonaceous materials and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         13 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The composite material of  claim 9 , wherein the composite is further reinforced with a continuous fiber. 
     
     
         16 . The composite material of  claim 15 , wherein the continuous fiber is selected from carbon, graphite, aramid, polyethylene, glass, or a combination thereof.