NSF Award
2406730
Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon material, is ultra-strong, flexible, and lightweight. These mechanical advantages can be combined with conventional metal to manufacture graphene-metal composites with enhanced mechanical performance. This project will achieve a fundamental understanding of the strengthening mechanisms of such composites by developing and utilizing bi-continuous graphene-nickel composites as a model. The results of this project will also guide the development of new theoretical models and innovative designs of graphene-based composites. High-performance composites, characterized by both strength and deformability, are relevant to a wide range of applications, including automotive/aerospace composites, sports equipment, protective armor, and high-strength cables. This project will integrate research and engineering training opportunities by fostering interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach opportunities across individuals from K-12 to undergraduate and graduate students.<br/><br/>This project aims to deepen our understanding of the deformation mechanisms in axially bi-continuous graphene-metal composites. Graphene (Gr) offers excellent mechanical strength far beyond conventional metal and, therefore, is often dispersed in a metal matrix to develop macroscopic Gr-enhanced metal matrix composites for structural applications. However, such composites suffer from the intrinsic trade-off between strength and ductility due to weak Gr-metal interfaces. In this work, fine nickel wires coated by axially continuous graphene structures are used to break the intrinsic trade-off and achieve excellent combined strength and ductility. However, the exact mechanism(s) responsible for the observed enhancements are not well understood mainly due to the complex coupling of various size-dependent strengthening mechanisms. This project will reveal the underlying mechanisms by developing and utilizing new laser-based material processes and microdevice-based characterization methods. This project will provide valuable scientific knowledge on the intricate relationship between graphene structures, grains, and dislocations in such bi-continuous composites and their effect on mechanical behavior.<br/><br/>This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
