Effect of graphene on the mechanical properties and moisture absorption kinetics of nano filler reinforced glass fiber composites

Abstract

Recently, Graphene nanofillers have been used as a means of enhancing mechanical properties to a great extent. It has outstanding barrier properties, including stiffness at low loads and flame retardancy. It’s wonderful reinforcing properties make Graphene one of the most promising nano-fillers for orthopaedic leg braces. The composites were made by adding Graphene as a nano-filler to epoxy resins at suitable weight percentages (2 %, 4 %, 6 %, 8 %, and 10 %). An experiment on moisture absorption was conducted using a five-layer laminate, which was hand-fabricated and uniformly thick. In accordance with ASTM standards, experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of Graphene on the mechanical properties and the moisture absorption kinetics of these materials. After absorbing moisture at different temperatures with varying Graphene loading, the nano-filler reinforced GFRP materials were submitted to tensile, flexural, and impact tests. Results of tensile and flexural tests showed Graphene incorporation of up to 4 % weight provided a maximum tensile strength of 92 MPa as well as a maximum flexural strength of 176 MPa. With the addition of 6 % Graphene nano-filler, the impact strength of GFRP composite was enhanced to 5.8 J. In direct result of these experiments, composites have been applied in a diverse range of industries.