Effect of graphene nanoplatelets on mechanical and impact properties of an aramid/glass-reinforced epoxy composite

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to characterize and evaluate the effects of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) added to the epoxy matrix and the fiber stacking sequence on the mechanical and impact responses of carbon/aramid hybrid composites. For this purpose, Aramid/Glass/Aramid and Glass/Aramid/Glass stacking sequences as well as full Aramid and Glass fiber configurations were used in an epoxy matrix with various contents (0.1, 0.25, 0.5 wt%) of GnPs. Tensile and flexural tests were conducted per mechanical characterization and low-velocity impact (LVI) tests with 30 J impact energy were performed by a drop-weight impact test. According to results, aramid fiber location has a significant effect on the peak load values, absorbed energy, and displacement of the hybrid composites. In addition, the inclusion of 0.25 wt% GnPs into the epoxy matrix increased the LVI properties of pure glass and hybrid fiber-reinforced composites. However, the incorporation of GnPs into the epoxy matrix caused a deterioration in the LVI properties of the aramid fiber-reinforced composite plates. Moreover, the best increase in the mechanical properties of pure and hybrid fiber-reinforced composites was obtained by adding 0.1 and 0.25% wt% GnPs into the epoxy matrix.