The microstructure of a graphene-reinforced tennis racquet has been analysed using a combination of optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. It is shown that the main structural components in the racquet frame are high-strength carbon fibres in an epoxy resin matrix. It is also found that graphene-based nanoparticles are used to reinforce resin-rich regions in the shaft of the racquet at the discontinuity in the fibre tows, where the handle is joined to the racquet head. From a detailed analysis of the relative positions and intensities of the Raman G and 2D bands, it is demonstrated that the nanoparticles employed in the racquet are most probably graphite nanoplatelets which have been added to improve the mechanical properties of the resin-rich regions. The nomenclature used for describing graphene-based materials is also discussed in the context of this present study.
CITATION STYLE
Young, R. J., & Liu, M. (2016). The microstructure of a graphene-reinforced tennis racquet. Journal of Materials Science, 51(8), 3861–3867. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-015-9705-6
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