An experimental investigation of nano clay and functionalized nano graphene oxide effects on ablation of carbon/phenolic nanocomposites

Abstract

This work aims to study thermal stability and ablative behaviors of Carbon/Phenolic composites containing nano clay, nano graphene oxide and hybrid additives. To this end a detailed explained and illustrated process is involved to synthesize factionalized graphene oxide based on Hummers method. The XRD test result shows a major shift in basal plane reflection to below 2θ = 20° in the provided spectrum, which indicates achievement in the functionalization process. Prepared nanoparticles suspensions are then mixed by resol resin with desire wt% to outcome nanocomposites. An in-depth analysis of SEM images with focus on the dispersion, morphology, and interaction of the nanofillers with the resin matrix reveals that nanoparticles are dispersed properly with no agglomeration. 200 gr/m2 carbon woven fabric is then impregnated with prepared nanocomposites employing an own made prepreg machine to use to construct standard flexural as well as oxy acetylene test specimens. Using bending test, thermogravimetric analysis and oxyacetylene torch test, effects of different percentages of considered nanoparticles on the mechanical properties, thermal stability and ablative of carbon/phenolic composites are assessed and the results are reported. According to the results, adding only 0.1 wt% of nano graphene oxide increases char yield around 5% and remain back surface temperature under 100°C during flame test. Moreover samples with 0.2 wt% of nano clay and hybrid (0.05 wt% nano graphene oxide and 0.1 wt% nano clay) additives provides best reaming amount of solid.