Comparative analysis between Graphene and Carbon Nanotube reinforced epoxy composite

Abstract

Composite structures are very high in demand because of their high strength-to-weight ratio and directional strength. The arrangement of fibers in the matrix is the major design criterion for the composites. Past studies prove that the fiber reinforcement of carbon nano allotropes such as Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Graphene fibers develop reliable and durable structures for different applications. In this work, three different composite laminate sheets are designed and modeled using finite element analysis (FEA) software. Carbon nano allotropes, CNTs, Graphene, and CNT-Graphene fibers are used as reinforcements in the resin epoxy matrix. The modeled laminate sheets are analyzed for deformation and stress distribution using Hashin’s Failure criteria. The FEA results indicate that the CNTs fiber-reinforced laminate shows minimum deformation (0.000064 mm) and experiences minimum stress (3.81 MPa) compared to Graphene and CNT-Graphene reinforced laminates. The results of FEA can be used as a research basis for further study of composites in the future.