Mechanical properties of graphene and graphene-based nanocomposites

Graphene has been the centre of attention over the past few years due to its unique properties and seemingly endless possibilities for utilization. In this present review, the current status of the mechanical properties of the graphene family of materials in the nanoscale along with the preparation and properties of bulk graphene-based nanocomposites is thoroughly examined. The usefulness of Raman spectroscopy for the characterization and study of the mechanical properties of graphene flakes along with model and bulk composites is clearly exhibited. Furthermore, the preparation strategies of bulk graphene-based nanocomposites have been discussed and the mechanical properties of nanocomposites reported in the literature have been analysed. In particular, we have found a unique correlation between the filler modulus derived from the rule of mixtures and the composite matrix modulus from several hundred literature reports for graphene-based materials in a wide range of polymer matrices. The presence of graphene even at very low loadings can attribute significant reinforcement to the final material, while the parameters that affect the nanocomposite strongly are thoroughly reviewed. Finally, the potential applications and future perspectives are discussed in the light of scale up capabilities and possible developments of graphene-based nanocomposite materials.