Materials: measuring graphene’s composite conundrum

Graphene provides incredible strength at an ultra-light weight. The technology is already being used in a variety of ways, such as in the manufacturing of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) composite road plates that are used by utilities and infrastructure firms during necessary roadworks.

Research also shows that dispersing a small amount of graphene into polymer composites can dramatically improve a material’s tensile strength, elastic modulus and electrical and thermal conductivity.

However, because these graphenerelated materials (GRMs) are not yet fully scalable, product researchers and designers are yet to develop a comprehensive understanding of the technology.

Force measurement testing will need to play a major role in ensuring simultaneous stiffness, strength and toughness of graphenerelated materials (GRMs) during the manufacturing process

The potential for graphene to reinforce a composite relies on a trade-off between the properties of the matrix material and the graphene itself.

As a result, force measurement testing will need to play a major role in ensuring simultaneous stiffness, strength and toughness of GRMs during the manufacturing process.

Currently, mass manufacturing data for graphene composites is not available and there is no tried and tested method for the large-scale production of graphene-based products.

While there is no denying that graphene composites are going to be a major trend, if GRMs are to dominate the market, they will require thorough testing to the same standard as established materials.

To truly deliver design engineering excellence using graphene, innovation in measurement must come first

Composite materials are continually developing and the introduction of graphene adds another layer of complexity. As GRMs are completely new to the market, engineers will not be familiar with potential properties so will be unsure of what tests are required to measure tolerances.

This is purely due to the fact that there will not be any existing data to draw from. As engineers begin to incorporate graphene into new composites, the challenge of accurate measurement can be overcome by using intelligent testing and measurement software.

Without thorough testing of newly-developed GRMs, these materials may fall short of their potential and engineers utilising the expensive material could miss valuable opportunities.

The properties of graphene are fascinating and the possibilities it affords the composite market are exponential. However, to truly deliver design engineering excellence using graphene, innovation in measurement must come first.