ABSTRACT
Graphene has emerged as one of the most important and versatile carbon-based materials in the field of material science. Its versatility comes from the unique two-dimensional honeycomb crystal structure where every carbon atom is sp2 hybridized and provides its excellent thermal, mechanical, electrical, optical, barrier, and antibacterial properties. Polymer nanocomposite based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer and graphene represents one of the most important and multifunctional composite materials with diverse applications’ opportunities. These include decorative or industrial paints, biomedical applications, solar water desalination, water purification, oil spill cleaning, smart textile, wearable electronics, sensors, thermal management, and electrical applications. This chapter deals with a detailed understanding of the graphene and graphene-based nanomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) with that of TPU. Synthesis methodology of TPU/graphene nanocomposites, the microstructure of composites, their important properties, and applications have been elucidated.
