Investigation of graphite nano-particles obtained via different cleaving methods

• Main Author: Tan, Siew Hwee.
• Other Authors: Sathyan Subbiah
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/53586
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Graphene is a nano-material that is made up of a single layer of carbon atoms where there are strong covalent bonds between the carbon atoms. The physical properties that it possesses allow it to show potential in many applications, an example is photonic applications. Carbon nano-platelets, which are made up of stacks of graphene, also show high potential in these applications due to its properties. However currently, there is no single foolproof reliable method for mass production of it. In this project report, some methods of mechanical exfoliation to produce graphite nano-particles from graphite are being considered, mainly micro milling and abrasive disc cutting. The well-known Scotch tape method is also being investigated and used as a bench marking study. From the experimental runs done for this project, it is observed that even within a single machining operation, chips with different characteristics, like surface properties and sizes, can be observed. However on the whole for the sizes of chips obtained, based on the average calculated, it can be observed that chips produced via abrasive disc cutting is smaller than via micro milling.