Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets

<p>Exfoliated graphite nano-platelets (xGnP) are new types of <a href="/facts/Nanoparticles/k8kNxX4E">nanoparticles</a> made from <a href="/facts/Graphite/sSf3KMXr">graphite</a>. These nanoparticles consist of small stacks of <a href="/facts/Graphene/QDGUBaPt">graphene</a> that are 1 to 15 nanometers thick, with diameters ranging from sub-micrometre to 100 micrometres. The X-ray diffractogram of this material would resemble that of graphite, in that the 002 peak would still appear at ~26o 2 theta. However, the peak would appear considerably smaller and broader. These features indicate that the interplanar distance in exfoliated graphite is similar to that of the parent graphite, but the stack size (of graphene layers) is small. Since xGnP is composed of the same material as <a href="/facts/Carbon_nanotubes/atuDPPaG">carbon nanotubes</a>, it shares many of the electrochemical characteristics, although not the tensile strength. The platelet shape, however, offers xGnP edges that are easier to modify chemically for enhanced dispersion in polymers.
</p><p>Composite materials made with <a href="/facts/Polymers/eF32E50K">polymers</a>, like <a href="/facts/Plastics/Kla5QItn">plastics</a>, <a href="/facts/Nylon/hBvG9bCw">nylon</a>, or <a href="/facts/Rubber/CbsjJxhY">rubber</a>, can be made electrically or thermally conductive with the addition of small amounts of xGnP. These nanoparticles can change the fundamental properties of plastics, enabling them to perform more like metals with metallic properties. These new nanoparticles also improve barrier properties, modulus, and surface toughness when used in composites.
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Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets open-in-new

Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets