▎ 摘　　要

NOVELTY - Forming a graphene-reinforced polymer matrix composite, comprises (a) distributing graphite microparticles into a molten thermoplastic polymer phase, and (b) applying a succession of shear strain events to the molten polymer phase so that the molten polymer phase exfoliates the graphite successively with each event until at least 50% of the graphite is exfoliated to form a distribution in the molten polymer phase of single- and multi-layer graphene nanoparticles less than 50 nm thick along a c-axis direction. USE - The method is useful forming a graphene-reinforced polymer matrix composite (claimed), which is useful: as spray coatings, electrodes for lightweight batteries, polymer powders for three dimensional printing, and transparent electrodes for electronic device touch screens; and in an aircraft and aerospace systems, automotive, electronics, government defense/security, pressure vessels, reactor chambers, composite boat hulls, and personnel armor. ADVANTAGE - The method forms contamination-free graphene-reinforced polymer matrix composite with increased specific stiffness and strength, enhanced electrical/thermal conductivity, retention of optical transparency, and good interface adhesion or bonding in a low cost manner, and avoids making and handling graphene flakes. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a flowchart illustration of a method for fabricating a graphene-reinforced polymer matrix composite.