Graphite, Graphene, and Their Polymer Nanocomposites

Graphite, Graphene, and Their Polymer Nanocomposites presents a compilation of emerging research trends in graphene-based polymer nanocomposites (GPNC). International researchers from several disciplines share their expertise about graphene, its properties, and the behavior of graphene-based composites. Possibly the first published monograph of its kind, this book provides a comprehensive snapshot of graphite, graphene, and their PNCs, including the underlying physics and chemistry, and associated applications. Beginning with an introduction to natural and synthetic graphite, the precursors to graphene, the text describes their properties, characterization techniques, and prominent commercial applications.

The focus then moves to graphene and its unique features, and techniques for its characterization. The chapters cover advances in electrochemical exfoliation of graphite, as well as exfoliation routes to produce graphene and graphite nanoplatelets for polymer composites. They also explore commercial use of graphene-based materials, such as emerging clean energy and pulse laser applications, and use as nanofillers in epoxy-based composites. The authors provide an overview of nanofillers and address two methods for GPNC preparation as well as specialized properties of GPNC. With its multidisciplinary approach, this book provides a broader scientific and engineering perspective necessary for meaningful advancements to take place.

Prithu Mukhopadhyay is a scientist with IPEX Technologies, Inc. in Montreal, Canada. Since 1997, he has been engaged in R&D as well as manufacturing and quality management for injection molding and extrusion. He earned his master’s degree in organic chemistry and his Ph.D. in polymer chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Prithu is passionate about new plastics technologies, and he has been a member of the New Technology Committee of the Society of Plastics Engineers since 1998. He has chaired the committee in the past, and he has been active in developing New Technology Forums at the Annual Technical Conference of the Society since 2000. He is an expert on plastics piping materials, and he has published and spoken extensively on this and a variety of polymer topics. He is the founding editor of Plasticstrends, an educational website that was established in 2000.

Rakesh K. Gupta is the George B. and Carolyn A. Berry professor and department chairman of chemical engineering at West Virginia University where he has been teaching since 1992. He holds B. Tech. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and the University of Delaware, respectively. His research focuses on polymer rheology, polymer processing, and polymer composites. He has published more than 100 journal papers, 65 conference papers, and 12 book chapters on these topics. He also holds three U.S. patents. He is the author of Polymer and Composite Rheology, the coauthor of Fundamentals of Polymer Engineering and the coeditor of Polymer Nanocomposites Handbook.