Graphene nanoparticles (platelets) exhibit extremely high conductivity and transparency, excellent mechanical properties, and facile processability that can be supplied at much lower cost than other carbon forms like nanotubes. Graphene also features tailored chemical functionality, which allows uniform dispersion of graphene platelets within a host polymer like acrylic. We will formulate Graphene-filled Acrylic (GFA) by developing graphene platelets in suitable liquid dispersions which are then used directly to produce PMMA acrylic plate. This provides a percolative or conductive network of graphene particles within the acrylic matrix at low graphene loadings, which is important for good optical properties. GDL and our program Team members each provide the necessary expertise to perform this work. This includes several leading graphene researchers and one of the largest suppliers of cast and cast/stretched acrylic to the requirements of MIL-PRF-8184 and MIL-PRF-25690 and a leading supplier of aircraft transparency material for many years. GFA samples will be produced and electrical, optical and mechanical tests performed to assess performance against established material requirements.
Keywords: Surface_resistivity, Surface_resistivity, Graphene, Bulk_conductivity, Transparency, Filled_polymer, , Acrylic,, Mechanical , Emi_shielding
