Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were prepared using the electrolytic exfoliation method on graphite foil in an ammonium sulfate solution. A series of experiments were conducted in order to optimize the production of the flakes by varying the pH of the solution, applied voltage and current, duration of electrolysis, temperature in the electrolytic system, and type and duration of the ultrasound interaction. The quality of the produced graphene nanoplatelets was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, Raman and IR spectroscopy, and TEM.

In this study, graphene flakes were obtained using an electrolytic method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM). Graphene-based composites with varying concentrations of 0.5%, 1% and 3% by weight were prepared with acrylic paint, enamel and varnish matrices. The mechanical properties were evaluated using micro-hardness testing, while wettability and antimicrobial activity against three pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus 33591, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 15442, Candida albicans 10231) were also examined. The results indicate that the addition of graphene flakes significantly enhances both the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the coatings.