Deformation and fracture in graphene nanosheets

Graphene nanosheets (GNSs) are flake-like materials composed of few-layer graphene sheets. GNSs are similar to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in graphene structures and in layer numbers. However, GNSs and CNTs behave very differently in deformation and fracture. In this study, natural graphite flakes were employed to make expanded graphite (EG), which is composed of partially connected GNSs. Both sonication and three-roll milling were used to separate the GNSs and to disperse them into an epoxy resin. By compacting EG, the GNSs inside were compressed and deformed. By breaking the GNS/epoxy composite, most GNSs on the cracked surfaces were fractured. Both SEM and TEM have been used for microscopic observations. The micrographs revealed that folding and wrinkling are the major modes of deformation, while tearing and peeling are the dominant modes of fracture. These modes are virtually non-existent in CNTs. The factors to cause the different behavior are discussed.