Probing the prediction of effective properties for composite materials

Abstract

This article presents different micromechanical modelling techniques based on analytical and numerical approaches to determine the effective elastic and piezoelectric (piezoelastic) properties of graphene-based composite materials. Different types, orientations and shapes as well as different geometrical parameters of fiber reinforcement are considered for estimating the effective properties. The effective properties of composite are predicted with and without considering the strong covalent bond which provides interaction and in-plane stability of 2Dcrystalline graphene or strong van der Wall forces formed between graphene layers and the matrix. It is revealed that the axial, transverse and shear effective piezoelastic properties of graphene reinforced piezoelectric composite (GRPC) are significantly enriched due to the incorporation of graphene into the epoxy matrix. The importance of incorporating graphene as nanofillers/interphase into the conventional epoxy matrix to form an advanced composite and its effective properties are illustrated while these results show excellent agreement with previously reported experimental estimates. These results reveal that due to incorporation of graphene nanofillers, there is a significant enhancement in effective properties of composite. The results would also help to recognize the most important material properties with respect to different shapes and orientation of reinforcements which influences the performance of system significantly. To confirm safety, robustness and sustainability of the structure, it is the most prior requirement to determine the effective properties of composites considering different parameters for the different static and structural analyses.