Project Details
Projekt
Multifunctional materials based on cellulose and graphene
Applicant
Professor Haisong Qi, Ph.D.
Subject Area
Polymer Materials
Materials in Sintering Processes and Generative Manufacturing Processes
Materials in Sintering Processes and Generative Manufacturing Processes
Term
from 2014 to 2018
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 263492106
Functional and smart materials based on cellulose and nanocarbons are fascinating and promising bio-based materials and can be widely used in many fields. The main subject of this research proposal is to develop high performance and multifunctional graphene-integrated cellulose materials (including graphene/cellulose nanocomposites, graphene-coated cellulosic fibres and their reinforced composites) and to reveal their structure-function relationships. To reach this target, the main challenges are to develop a facile and mild approach for dispersing graphene sheets efficiently into cellulose matrix and to tailor the distribution of graphene on the cellulosic surfaces. The work mainly comprises six parts: 1) Preparation of graphite oxide (GO) aqueous dispersions with good stability/dispersibility, and further to fabricate graphene aqueous dispersions by chemical reduction. 2) Preparation of aqueous cellulose solutions with homogenously dispersed GO and and studies on the properties of these solutions; fabrication of new functional materials based on cellulose and GO, such as cellulose-GO hydrogels and GO/cellulose composites. 3) in situ reduction of GO in cellulose matrix to fabricate high-performance functional graphene/cellulose nanocomposites with good electrical conductivity. 4) Characterization of microstructure and properties of graphene/cellulose nanocomposites, and evaluation of multifunctional properties such as sensing capabilities. 5) Surface modification of cellulosic fibres with graphene aqueous dispersions to generate multifunctional cellulosic fibres and in turn, multifunctional cellulosic fibre reinforced polymer composites. 6) Investigation of graphene-based interphase formation; characterization of nanoscale profiles of physical and mechanical properties of interphase.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
