Background
Continuously manufacturing technology that is more compact, lighter, and sturdier than the last is a driving force in many different fields. Among the materials used for this, graphene stands out for its durability on its own and stability when combined with metals. Graphene has been integrated with conventional bulk-scale materials, e.g., carbon-enhanced polymer matrix composites (CPMCs), ceramic matrix composites (CCMCs), and metal matrix composites (MMCs), to achieve graphene-enhanced material properties of various composites. However, existing graphene-metal composites lack flexibility and generally fracture when stretched or bent because of how the materials are mixed.
There are many methods for mixing graphene with metals, but one method is chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The process works by introducing a gas (in this case graphene) into a chamber to chemically react in order to form a thin film on the surface.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a graphene-coated nickel wire by using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) through which the nickel gets continuously coated by graphene. This invention also has a 3D-printed sample holder that helps to avoid any possible damage to micro-scale wire and to handle the wire specimen easily. The inventors utilized a mechanical testing device for the micro-scale wire, including a multi-purpose tester, optical microscope, digital camera, 3D-printed sample holder, and a data acquisition system.
Potential Applications:
- Corrosion resistance: caused by acids and alkali
- Electronics: microchips, touch screens, transistors
- Energy storage: Ultracapacitors, rechargeable metal batteries
Benefits and Advantages:
- Highest combined strength and ductility as compared to current technologies
- 40% more conductivity than current copper electrical conductors
- Achieves 71.76% higher ultimate tensile strength (amount of stress a material can withstand before breakage) compared its pure metal matrix (Ni)
- Attains 58.24% increased failure strain (maximum strain at the center of the wire when it reaches its ultimate strength) compared its pure metal matrix (Ni)