Abstract
In structural applications, Epoxy resin finds extensive application for its low cost, high strength to low weight ratio, higher amenability with superior dimensional stability in elevated temperatures, and chemical inertness. Furthermore, graphene has been extensively used as reinforcement materials to enhance strength and tensile/flexural stiffness. In contrast, natural silk within the other natural fibres showed higher impact strength and ductility, good biodegradability, and excellent biocompatibility for a reinforcement filler material. Several ongoing field research on graphene and natural silk as an individual reinforcement in the epoxy composites have shown significant positive results. This paper concentrates on the research gap of hybridization of graphene and natural silk fibres (SF) as a combined reinforcement material to develop lightweight and high-performance epoxy composite material for structural applications. This paper discusses the suitable material selection and fabrication process for hybrid GO/SF epoxy composite. Graphene Oxide (GO) choice for the reinforcement on epoxy resin by (0,0.5,1,1.5,2,3 and 5) % volume fractions via wet transfer ultrasonication process and plain-woven Bombyx mori silk for 60% SF reinforcement discussed in the paper. The optimum volume fraction of GO and SF promoting significant improvements of the epoxy resin composites’ mechanical properties needs further evaluation during material characterization.
Published Version
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