화학공학소재연구정보센터
Journal of Materials Science, Vol.51, No.8, 3861-3867, 2016
The microstructure of a graphene-reinforced tennis racquet
The microstructure of a graphene-reinforced tennis racquet has been analysed using a combination of optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. It is shown that the main structural components in the racquet frame are high-strength carbon fibres in an epoxy resin matrix. It is also found that graphene-based nanoparticles are used to reinforce resin-rich regions in the shaft of the racquet at the discontinuity in the fibre tows, where the handle is joined to the racquet head. From a detailed analysis of the relative positions and intensities of the Raman G and 2D bands, it is demonstrated that the nanoparticles employed in the racquet are most probably graphite nanoplatelets which have been added to improve the mechanical properties of the resin-rich regions. The nomenclature used for describing graphene-based materials is also discussed in the context of this present study.