Colloidal-Graphite Suspension Based on Thermally Expanded Graphite

Abstract

Currently, modified oxidized (intercalated) graphites (OGs) and thermally expanded graphites (TEGs) obtained from them are used to solve many applied problems. This is due to the fact that while retaining all the properties of layered graphite compounds, split graphite particles have important new properties, such as ease of molding, low bulk density, and active interaction with the polymer matrix. However, the question of the mechanisms of expansion of OG and the properties of TEG particles split into layers has not been sufficiently studied. The establishment of experimental patterns of expansion processes of graphite oxidized by acids contributes to the understanding of the set of stages of complex processes occurring during the expansion of graphite particles in a gas atmosphere and in polymer matrices. The aim of this study is to synthesize a colloidal-graphite (CG) suspension based on TEG particles and determine the properties of suspensions and expansion processes of OG during thermal and microwave heating. As a result of modifying TEG with a low bulk density in the activating media, CG suspensions are synthesized without a vibration grinding stage. The splitting of graphite materials after chemical modification by thermal and microwave-stimulated heating leads to the formation of graphene-like structures. The development of techniques for modifying electrically conductive porous samples of materials used as electrodes makes it possible to introduce nanographite particles under the influence of an electric field.