Graphene nanoribbon – Polymer composites: The critical role of edge functionalization

The extraordinary mechanical properties of graphene prompt its incorporation into a wide range of polymeric nanocomposite materials (NCMs). However, similar to other nanomaterials (NMs), the reinforcement efficiency of graphene and its derivatives is hindered by their agglomeration and poor compatibility with the polymer matrix. In this paper, edge-functionalized graphene nanoribbons (EF-GNR) are incorporated in brittle epoxy polymer matrix. The...