A review on functionalization methods of graphene oxide for enhancement in mechanical properties of epoxy composites

Abstract

In recent years the use of Graphene Oxide (GO) in composite materials is growing in engineering applications. However, the major drawback of adding Graphene Oxide (GO) inhibits the bonding between the matrix and the reinforcement which reduces the load transfer. Due to this reason, there is a need for functionalization of Graphene Oxide. Graphene oxide is a highly reactive grapheme derivative having nucleophiles. In this study different types of covalent and non-covalent bonding functionalization methods of GO for dispersion in epoxy composites are discussed with their preparation and characterization. A comparative analysis of GO gives understanding of methods of functionalization affect with respect to mechanical and chemical properties. This study gives variety of processes involved and its influence on mechanical and chemical behaviour of the epoxy composites. Among all the methods mentioned for functionalization of GO, Amino-siloxane (APS), Polyethyleneimine (PEI) and triton shows effective results in improvement of mechanical properties.