In this project, we dispersed graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer matrix to test the nanocomposite’s mechanical responses after being exposed to near-infrared light in five timed illumination cycles of on for 90 seconds and off for 50 seconds. Different concentration levels of GNP to PDMS (0.1-2 wt%) nanocomposites were fabricated and varying levels of pre-strain (3%-40%) were applied to each test sample before it underwent the 5 illumination cycles. Highly stretched test samples showed reversible contraction while lowly stretched test samples showed reversible expansion.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• McLean, Emily Adams
• Kelley, Jake

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042618-143827

Advisor

• Panchapakesan, Balaji

Year

• 2018

Date created

• 2018-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright