Graphene-reinforced nanocomposites: synthesis, micromechanics models, analysis and applications – a review

Abstract

Graphene is playing an important role in the enhancement of new composite materials and is capable of enhancing the performance and functionality of many applications. Graphene-reinforced structures are used in nano-sized systems, energy storage devices, automotive and combustible devices, defence system, aerospace systems, medical instruments, biomedical system, and electronics devices. Due to the crucial mechanical behaviour of nano-structures design, the complete understanding of the flexural, buckling, and vibration analysis of various nanocomposite (NC) structures such as beams, plates, and shells have received great attention in recent years. The present article reviews the synthesis techniques of graphene-reinforced nanocomposites (Gr-NCs). The article also discusses the existing micromechanics models to determine the mechanical properties of Gr-NCs. The comprehensive review also presents a detailed assessment on mechanical analysis and applications of Gr-NCs structures. The article further discusses the future scope and technical challenges that may help in the appropriate design and analysis of graphene nanosystems, applicable in the various field of nanotechnology and nanocomposite materials. The purpose of the present review is to critically review the existing development in Gr-NCs and provide the comprehensive overview of Gr-NCs. By reinforcing graphene and its derivatives into the matrix, the resulting composite may enhance the functionality and explore new NCs for of various nanostructures.