Science Daily August 4, 2018
In 2014 Rice University researchers developed Rebar graphene that consists of CNTs embedded in graphene. An international team of researchers (USA – Rice University, University of Maine, Brown University, China) implemented a “dry” transfer technique to test the freely suspended rebar graphene under uniaxial tension mode. Combined experiments and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the embedded CNTs divert and bridge the propagating crack and provide a toughening mechanism for the material. This is a promising extrinsic toughening strategy for 2D materials and provides mechanistic insights into the fracture process of graphene hybrid material. The experiments showed that nanotubes help graphene stay stretchy and reduce the effects of cracks. It could be useful for other devices where stress tolerance, flexibility, transparency and mechanical stability are desired… read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ
ACS Nano, Article ASAP, DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b02311