Orientation of Graphene Nanoplatelets in Thermosetting Matrices

A simple procedure for the alignment of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in a thermosetting matrix is presented. First, the alignment of GNPs in thermoplastic fibers of amorphous polyetylene terephthalate (aPET) is achieved by a fiber spinning process. The nanocomposite fibers, obtained with a very high filler content (10 wt%), are then transferred into a reactive epoxy resin. After dissolution of aPET, the nanofillers remained oriented in the thermosetting matrix. The characterization of the obtained nanocomposites has been carried by means of different experimental techniques which provided complementary results. The proposed method has the potential to be used in the manufacturing of hierarchical composites, by introducing nanofilled microfibers into continuous fibers reinforced composites.