ABSTRACT
The large aspect ratio and the high conductivity render graphene and graphite nanolayers an easy choice for imparting electromagnetic interference shielding properties to polymers. Graphite has an anisotropic molecular structure due to the difference between in-plane and out-of-plane bonding of carbon atoms. In order to achieve graphite particles nanometric in size, special exfoliating treatments have to be applied to natural flaky graphite. Since the dispersing/manufacturing process and the matrix and nanoparticle types are parameters with mutual influence, graphite-based or graphene-based nanocomposites may largely differ in properties as a consequence of small variation in those parameters. Solution-based methods for dispersing graphite or graphene nanoparticles are generally based on the mixing of colloidal suspensions of platelets with the desired polymer. Intensive mixing facilities, such as extruders, could be employed to produce thermosetting nanocomposites and the three-roll milling approach has been used to manufacture nanoreinforced thermoplastic polymers.
