Mechanical analysis of graphene-based woven nano-fabric

Tailoring and assembling graphene into functional structures with well-defined configurations has been emerging as a key way for utilizing it in many promising applications. Here we report a graphene-based woven nano-fabric (GWNF) composed of graphene nanoribbons (GNR) which are interlaced with each other in an over and under fashion. Simulation results inform that the mechanical properties of GWNF can be tuned by the weave density of GNRs. Compared with pristine graphene, GWNF demonstrates a significantly enhanced flexibility with outstanding toughness and unprecedented energy-absorption capability. Shear forces from adjacent GNRs exert a negative impact to deteriorate the stretch capability of GWNF. Through the pull-out test of single central GNR, GWNF with inherent curvatures and defects leads to a riveting inter-locking phenomenon followed by a pronounced jump of pull-out force. GWNF with a high density of GNRs reproduces mechanical properties similar to graphene via nanoindentation while GWNF with a low density of GNRs exhibits an extraordinary toughness unmatched by graphene. These intriguing mechanical properties of GWNF insinuate that it can serve as a solid building block to envisage a large variety of applications such as composites, strain sensors, and solar cells by taking advantages of the special woven structure.