Researchers use laser-induced graphene to prepare multi-purpose composites

Rice University and the chemists and scholars at the University of Israel (Ben-Gurion) have recently released a number of exciting graphene reinforced composites that are versatile, except for wearable electronics, water treatment, de-icing. , surface antibacterial, etc., can even be used to manufacture random access memory devices (RAM).

Plastics, rubber, cement, paraffin and many other materials can be prepared by adding laser-induced graphene (LIG) to composites with different properties and uses.

In 2014, Rice University researchers developed a laser-induced method for the preparation of graphene, using a laser to heat the surface of a polyimide sheet to develop a thin-atom carbon material called laser-induced graphene (LIG). It is a porous graphene film with a flexible surface. The study was published on ACSNano. Research team chemist Tour said that laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a good material, but its mechanical properties are not strong, "you can bend and bend it, but you can't rub it with your hands." But when you turn it into a composite structure, it will become stronger.

According to Tour, soft composites can be used for active electronics in flexible garments, while harder composites can be made into super-hydrophobic (water-repellent) materials. When a voltage is applied, a 20 micron thick LIG layer kills the surface bacteria, making the toughened version of the material suitable for antimicrobial applications. Composites made with liquid additives best maintain the connectivity of the glass flakes. In the laboratory, they can be heated quickly and reliably when a voltage is applied. This will make it possible to use the material as a de-icing or anti-icing coating as a flexible heating pad for treating injured or on-demand garments.