Viscoelastic behaviour of nanocomposites enhanced by graphene: An overview

Abstract

The use of nanoparticles has been widely studied and applied in numerous engineering and commercial areas due to its unique surface effect and increased chemical activity and physical properties. Literature reports great performances, such as strength, stiffness, and thermal properties, with adding low concentrations of nanoparticles into polymers but without compromising density, toughness, or manufacturing process. Graphene is one of the most recent nanoparticles that, due to their unique properties, have motivated the interest of the scientific community. When they are added to the polymer matrices, the mechanical properties are significantly improved. However, the static mechanical properties are the main characterization performed, but, for long-term applications, viscoelastic studies are required to characterize conveniently. Creep and stress relaxation are the two main tests to characterize the nanoenhaced resins behaviour. Therefore, this paper intends to provide a critical overview about the studies available in the literature on this subject.