Float-stacked graphene–PMMA laminate

Semi-infinite single-atom-thick graphene is an ideal reinforcing material that can simultaneously improve the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of matrix. Here, we present a float-stacking strategy to accurately align the monolayer graphene reinforcement in polymer matrix. We float graphene-poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) membrane (GPM) at the water–air interface, and wind-up layer-by-layer by roller. During the stacking process, the inherent water meniscus continuously induces web tension of the GPM, suppressing wrinkle and folding generation. Moreover, rolling-up and hot-rolling mill process above the glass transition temperature of PMMA induces conformal contact between each layer. This allows for pre-tension of the composite, maximizing its reinforcing efficiency. The number and spacing of the embedded graphene fillers are precisely controlled. Notably, we accurately align 100 layers of monolayer graphene in a PMMA matrix with the same intervals to achieve a specific strength of about 118.5 MPa g −1 cm 3 , which is higher than that of lightweight Al alloy, and a thermal conductivity of about 4.00 W m −1 K −1 , which is increased by about 2,000 %, compared to the PMMA film. To maximize composite reinforcing efficiency, a semi-infinite reinforcement should be aligned in the matrix. Here, the authors report a float-stacking strategy for graphene-PMMA laminate with precisely aligned monolayer graphene in a polymer matrix.