Computational Modeling of Mechanical Properties of Graphene Foam

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease caused by damage to articular cartilage. Unfortunately, articular cartilage has poor regenerative qualities. Researchers have been investigating tissue engineering as a possible OA treatment, and have proposed graphene as a potential bioscaffold. However, the mechanical properties of graphene foam have not been thoroughly explored.

Methods

Scans of graphene foam were reconstructed to create a 3D microstructure (Amira, FEI, OR). This was incorporated into a finite element (FE) simulation to test the mechanical properties (Abaqus, Simulia, RI). Experimental data was obtained from mechanical tests perfomred on graphene foam samples. Parameters of the FE model were calibrated to achieve a mechanical response that matched measurements recorded during the experimental testing.

Results

The FE simulations were able to realistically model loading conditions that were imposed during experimental testing. Behaviors of the graphene foam could be predicted under various conditions.

Discussion

Currently, the research around the mechanical properties of graphene foam is very limited. Most of it centers around graphene nanotube properties and graphene foam applications in electronics and electrical energy storage.This project explores the compressional strength of graphene foam, which has substantial potential as a biomaterial and bioscaffold for chondrogenic tissue engineering.