Graphite Nanoplatelet Reinforcement of Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers

Thin graphite nanoplatelets synthesized by an intercalation/exfoliation process are incorporated into a polymer fiber matrix by an electrospinning process, creating ultrafine nanocomposite fibrils (see Figure). Uniform nanofibers of average diameter 300 nm show a modest increase in thermal stability with increasing weight percentage of graphite nanoplatelets. The mechanical properties of the fibrils are examined, and the normalized Young's modulus is found to increase two‐fold upon addition of 4 wt.‐% graphite nanoplatelets.