Workshop - Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes in Experimental Mechanics

Chair: Dr Dave Hollis, LaVision UK

Due to their extraordinary range of physical properties, an immense effort is underway to utilise graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) across the engineering and scientific world. Individual graphene sheets and single carbon nanotubes are extremely strong, but they are tiny nanomaterials and the grand challenge lies in how to realise these extraordinary properties at useful engineering scales.

This workshop focused on graphene and CNTs in the experimental mechanics of materials. Specifically, it addressed advanced graphene and CNT based materials, as well as, graphene and CNT based strain and pressure sensors. Topics included: graphene and CNT based nano-composites; Graphene foams; CNT webs; high strength graphene and CNT based fibres and textiles and graphene & CNT based strain and pressure sensors. The workshop also discussed application areas, manufacturing routes and testing.

The aim of the workshop was to facilitate exchange and dissemination of cutting edge research in this field. Attendees had the opportunity to listen to, and discuss with, some of the top scientists driving this field forward. The workshop also included a tour of the UK’s state-of-the-art National Graphene Institute (NGI)