Graphene and graphitic derivative filled polymer composites as potential sensors

Graphite and numerous graphitic-derived micro- and nano-particles have gained importance in current materials science research. These two-dimensional sheets of sp(2)-hybridized carbon atoms remarkably influence the properties of polymers. Graphene mono-layers, graphene oxides, graphite oxides, exfoliated graphite, and other related materials are derived from a parental graphite structure. In this review, we focus primarily on the role of these fillers in regulating the electrical and sensing properties of polymer composites. It has been demonstrated that the addition of an optimized mixture of graphene and or its derivatives to various polymers produces a record-high enhancement of the electrical conductivity and achieved semiconducting characteristics at small filler loading, making it suitable for sensor manufacture. Promising sensing characteristics are observed in graphite-derived composite films compared with those of micro-sized composites and the properties are explained mainly based on the filler volume fraction, nature and rate of dispersion and the filler polymer interactions at the interface. In short, this critical review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the recent advances in the area of graphitic-based polymer composites in advanced electronics. Future perspectives in this rapidly developing field are also discussed.

Litigation by shareholders and directors: an empirical study of the Australian statutory derivative action

A number of countries have statutory derivative actions. They allow a shareholder to bring legal action on behalf of the company, typically where the company refuses or is unable to bring the action. The Australian derivative action was enacted in March 2000 to overcome inadequacies with the common law derivative action. In this article the authors present the results of an empirical study of all cases decided under the Australian statutory derivative action during its first 6 years of operation. The study provides insights into the way Australian courts have interpreted and applied this legal remedy. The authors evaluate the statutory derivative action in light of the reasons for its enactment. Issues discussed in the article include the role of shareholder litigation in corporate governance and the rationale for statutory derivative actions.