Influence of amine functionalized graphene oxide on mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy matrix composites

Abstract

A new approach for synthesized amine functionalized graphene oxide (AFGO) was used by diethylenetriamine as a reducing or functionalizing agent. The purpose of this work is to determine the effect of AFGO on the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites. In addition, the optimization of various weight percentages of AFGO was carried out. Physical and chemical characterizations were also reported to determine the effects of AFGO. The structure and morphology of the AFGO nanosheets were confirmed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Successful formation of amide bonds through graphene oxide (GO) sheet functionalization was proved by characterizations. Solution blending, as a simple method, was used for composite formation. The mechanical and thermal properties of the epoxy/AFGO composites were assessed. There was increment in tensile strength by 67%, flexural strength by 51%, and impact strength by 152% at 0.3 wt% loading of AFGO in epoxy composites. Similarly, the increment in hardness was also observed from 0.1 to 0.3 wt% of AFGO loading. The glass transition temperature of epoxy/AFGO nanocomposites effectively improved from 88.4 to 97.3 °C. The thermal stability of epoxy/AFGO nanocomposite increased from 351 to 358 °C.