Influence of Graphene on Mechanical Behavior of EVA Composite at Low Strain Rate Loading

Abstract

AbstractThe present study is aimed to examine the mechanical behavior of graphene reinforced EVA composites at low strain rate loading under the influence of the varying composition of graphene. Composites of EVA-based graphene have been successfully prepared by using sigma mixing approach followed by Injection molding. Uniform dispersion of graphene in the EVA matrix has been validated by using FESEM technique. Tensile results show that the strength of the EVA/Graphene composite has been increased with the increase in the composition of graphene in the EVA matrix. In comparison to pure EVA, a significant improvement of 25% has been observed in the strength of EVA/Graphene composite with a minor composition of Graphene (5wt%). Effect of varying strain rates (0.001 s−1, 0.01 s−1, and 0.1 s−1) has also been studied and it has been noticed that the strength of EVA/Graphene composite material has been increased with the increase in strain rate. Young’s modulus of EVA/Graphene composite with 7–10 wt% of graphene has been increased in the range of 21–27% in comparison to pure EVA. Uniform dispersion of Graphene and their adhesion with EVA matrix are the suggested reason for significant improvement in mechanical properties of EVA-based composite material. The present study could be beneficial for various low load-bearing applications of EVA-based composite materials.KeywordsEVAGrapheneSigma mixingInjection moldingYoung’s modulus