▎ 摘　　要

Graphene (Gr) is one of the most preferred reinforcement for polymer matrix, due to its large surface area. However, poor dispersion, due to stacking of Gr sheets, restricts their potential as reinforcement. In the present study, exfoliation of multi-layered graphene sheets is achieved in the presence of nanodiamond (ND), using ultrasonication. High-resolution electron micrographs clearly reveal the role played by ND in hindering re-stacking of graphene. SPM imaging further quantified exfoliation by measuring the thickness for different combinations of Gr:ND. Improved exfoliation of Gr increases both tensile strength and strain by similar to 71% and similar to 113%, respectively, for > 0.5 wt% Gr content. Fracture toughness is improved by similar to 150% with Gr, and an additional 44% with ND decorated Gr. Numerical analysis further confirms the effect of ND assisted exfoliation of Gr in toughening behavior of the composite, which can be explained in terms of improved total interface area, helping in better load transfer.