Synthesis and mechanical characterization of epoxy hybrid composites containing graphene nanoplatelets

Abstract

The light-weight and excellent mechanical properties of polymer composites have attributed their use in different structural parts in the aerospace and automobile industries over the past decades. In this research, carbon fiber and Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) reinforced hybrid composites were fabricated via hand layup followed by compression molding. Effect of different weight percent of GNP (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1 wt%) on mechanical, thermal, and physical properties were analyzed. In comparison to other composites, the 0.5 wt% GNP filled carbon fiber/epoxy composite has improved tensile and flexural strength, inter laminar shear strength, and Vickers hardness. At 0.25 wt% GNP-filled epoxy hybrid composite, impact strength was at its peak. The maximum tensile and flexural strength values were obtained at 0.5 wt% of GNP, 11%, and 8% higher than neat fiber composites. The 0.5 wt% GNP composite has the highest heat deflection temperature and thermal conductivity in terms of thermal characteristics. The morphology of composites was explored by field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were also performed for nanocomposite characterization.