Composite graphene structures
Graphene has been used in nanocomposites as constituents/doping in plastics or epoxy providing dramatic enhancement of the mechanical properties but have not progressed past the laboratory level novelty. This invention can provide a graphene based composite structure with a density less that 1.9 g/cm 3 for a fiber, yarn, rope or cable and a density less that 1.5 g/cm 3 for a sheet both structure have tensile and shear strength greater than either Aluminum or Steel; thus providing a graphene material that is both much lighter and stronger.
1. A high-strength composite fiber comprising:
flat graphene flakes, each graphene flake comprising a plurality of graphene sheets stacked together, disposed on an electroplated metal layer formed on a substrate; and
a polymer chemically bonded at least one of in, about, or to the graphene flakes;
wherein the composite is formed into the fiber, or a yarn, a rope, or a cable that comprises a density less than 1.9 g/cm 3 .
2. A high-strength composite fiber comprising:
flat graphene flakes, each graphene flake comprising a plurality of graphene sheets stacked together, disposed on an electroplated layer formed on a substrate; and
a polymer chemically bonded at least one of in, about, or to the graphene flakes;
wherein the composite fiber is formed into a sheet or layer having a density less than 1.5 g/cm 3 .
3. The fiber of claim 1 , wherein the substrate is at least one of a plastic, a wood, a metal, a glass, or a grass.
4. The fiber of claim 1 , wherein the polymer is at least one of an epoxy, a thermoplastic, or a thermosetting polymer.
5. The fiber of claim 1 , wherein said flat graphene flakes are 5 to 50 micron across.
6. The fiber of claim 1 , wherein said flat graphene flakes are 5 to 20 micron across.
7. The fiber of claim 1 , wherein said flat graphene flakes are 5 to 14 micron across.
8. The fiber of claim 2 , wherein the substrate is at least one of a plastic, a wood, a metal, a glass, or a grass.
9. The fiber of claim 2 , wherein the polymer is at least one of an epoxy, a thermoplastic, or a thermosetting polymer.
10. The fiber of claim 2 , wherein said flat graphene flakes are 5 to 50 micron across.
11. The fiber of claim 2 , wherein said flat graphene flakes are 5 to 20 micron across.
12. The fiber of claim 2 , wherein said flat graphene flakes are 5 to 14 micron across.