In Situ Processing of Graphene/Leucite Nanocomposite Through Graphene Oxide/Geopolymer

Graphene/leucite nanocomposites (rGO/leucite) were prepared through in situ reduction of graphene oxide/geopolymer (rGO/KGP) composites. The effects of rGO on the microstructure and mechanical properties with respect to the geopolymer matrix after the high‐temperature treatment were investigated systematically. The results show that GO is first partially reduced in the geopolymeric solution and then completely under the post high‐temperature treatment. The rGO sheets undergo no interfacial reactions with the matrix even after thermal treatment. The rGO/geopolymer composites fully transform to rGO/leucite composites after being treated at 1000°C for 30 min in an argon atmosphere. Significant improvements in mechanical properties were achieved through rGO reinforcement giving flexural strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness of 91.1 MPa, 60.5 GPa, and 2.04 MPa·m 1/2 , increased by 120%, 8%, and 1.5%, respectively, compared with the leucite matrix alone.