Performance tuning of glass fiber/epoxy composites through interfacial modification upon integrating with dendrimer functionalized graphene oxide

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, glass fiber/epoxy composites were interfacially tailored by introducing polyamidoamine (PAM) dendrimer functionalized graphene oxide (GO) into epoxy matrix. Two different composites each containing varying loading fraction (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt%) of GO and GO‐PAM were fabricated via hot press processing. Composites were evaluated for interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), dynamic mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. The inclusion of 1.5 wt% GO‐PAM resulted ~57.3%, ~42.7%, and ~54% enhancement in ILSS, storage modulus and thermal conductivity, respectively. Almost, ~71% reduction in coefficient of thermal expansion was also observed at same GO‐PAM loading. Moreover, higher glass transition temperature was observed with GO‐PAM addition. GO‐PAM substantially improved fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion, which was witnessed through scanning electron microscopy. The enhanced thermo‐mechanical performance was attributed to interfacial covalent interactions engendered by ring opening reaction between epoxy and amine moieties of PAM dendrimers. These multiscale composites with extraordinary functional properties can outperform conventional counterparts with improved reliability and performance.